A TERROR suspect accused of hacking a soldier to death in the street demanded to be known as Mujahid Abu Hamza when he appeared in court today.
Michael Adebolajo, 28, is charged with the horrific murder of Drummer Lee Rigby, 25, as he made his way to Woolwich barracks in south east London last month.
Father-of-one Mr Rigby, from Middleton, near Rochdale, Lancashire, died from multiple wounds after being attacked shortly after 2pm on May 22.
Adebolajo, who grew up in Romford, was shot by armed police at the crime scene in John Wilson Street.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court with his left arm in a plaster cast, gesturing and blowing kisses to a lone supporter in the public gallery as he was led into the dock by security staff.
Wearing white shorts and a white T-shirt and carrying the Koran, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he has no fixed address.
The court clerk said he had indicated he wished to be known as Muhajid Abu Hamza.
Prosecutor Mark Topping said: "The Crown's understanding is that as these charges are indictable only they are to be sent to the Crown Court at the Central Criminal Court."
As the charges were put to him, Adebolajo tried to speak, but was told by District Judge Emma Arbuthnot: "You need not reply at this stage."
He then told her: "Somewhere along the line, someone – I call them a joker – came up with a very foolish rule that criminals in this dock may not respond.
"For what reason?"
The judge said: "Any prisoner might want to know what the charges against them are."
Adebolajo replied: "You are correct and I do not disagree with that."
He has been charged with the murder of Drummer Rigby and with possessing a 9.4mm KNIL model 91 revolver on the same day.
He is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers, referred to in court only as officers A48 and D49.
Adebolajo glanced occasionally at the public gallery packed with journalists, but showed no emotion as the charges were revealed in court. He was formally charged on Saturday after being released from hospital.
The judge told him he will next appear at the Old Bailey within 48 hours for a bail hearing.
A further preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 26.
