UK: Two accused of shooting soldier deny attempt to kill, plead Not Guilty

Two men accused of hacking to death soldier Drummer Lee Rigby in a gruesome terror attack on the streets of the British capital have pleaded 'not guilty' to the crime.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, denied the charges at Old Bailey court.

They are accused of murdering Fusilier Rigby near Woolwich barracks in southeast London on May 22.

They denied attempting to murder a police officer on that day, as well as planning to murder a police officer on or before that day.


Adebolajo asked to be addressed by his Islamic name Mujahid Abu Hamza in court while 

Adebowale said he wanted to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

The men appeared via videolink from separate rooms in the high-security HMP Belmarsh prison.

Rigby's widow, Rebecca Rigby, was in court for the 45-minute hearing.

A trial date was provisionally set for November 18, until when reporting restrictions will be in place to ensure a fair trial.