Suspect charged over UK soldier's death

One of the two main suspects accused of murdering off-duty soldier Lee Rigby on a London street has appeared in court.

Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, southeast London, was flanked by two police officers and two security guards in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.

He is accused of murdering Drummer Rigby on May 22, as well as possession of a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 Revolver, with intent to cause others to believe violence would be used.

Handcuffed Adebowale, wearing a grey sweater and white trousers, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing, and will next appear at the Old Bailey on June 3.

Adebowale, who limped as he approached the glass dock, held his right hand close to his body.

Chief magistrate Howard Riddle told the defendant he wasn't required to stand due to his injuries.

Asked to confirm his name, address and date of birth, Adebowale calmly replied: "Yes."

Bethan David, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) counter-terrorism division, told the court the charges fell under the jurisdiction of terrorism legislation.

A post-mortem examination found the solider's cause of death was multiple cut and stab wounds.

An inquest will be formally opened on Friday. Drummer Rigby, 25, was hacked to death in broad daylight before Adebolajo delivered an Islamist tirade to passers-by. London's Metropolitan Police added, in a statement, that Rigby had been hit by a car before the fatal attack.

A formal hearing into Rigby's death will open at Southwark Coroner's Court in London on Friday, police added. Adebowale was discharged from hospital on Tuesday before being held at a south London police station ahead of questioning.

Fellow suspect Michael Adebolajo remains in a stable condition. Eight other people have been arrested over the case, including two women released without charge.