LONDON, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Two men charged with killing a British soldier outside London's Woolwich Barracks, an attack inspired by al-Qaida, were convicted Thursday.
Michael Adebolajo, 29, and Michael Adebowale, 22, both English-born converts to Islam, face life sentences, the Guardian reported. Sentencing was postponed because an important court ruling on whether whole life sentences can be imposed is expected soon.
Lee Rigby, 25, a drummer and machine-gunner in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was hacked to death with machetes as he returned to the barracks in May.
After the killing, Adebolajo made a statement that witnesses filmed with cellphone cameras. He warned them they would not be safe as long as Britain had troops in Muslim countries.
"We must fight them. I apologize that women had to witness this today. But in our land our women have to see the same," he said. "You people will never be safe. Remove your government, they don't care about you."
The jury reached its verdict Thursday after deliberating for only 90 minutes. Adebolajo kissed a copy of the Koran as he was led out of the courtroom.
Rigby, who had served in Germany, Cyprus and Afghanistan, was attached to a recruiting office at the Tower of London at the time of his death. He was returning to the barracks from the Tower when he was killed.
