Appeal bids from Lee Rigby killers rejected at High Court

The widow of murdered soldier Lee Rigby has said "justice has been done" after seeing the High Court firmly reject appeals by his killers.

A panel of three judges threw out the conviction and sentence challenges by Islamic fanatics Michael Adebolajo and sentence reduction challenge by Michael Adebowale.

Rebecca Rigby, who was estranged from the soldier at the time of his death, joined her late husband's family in court and later choked back tears as she read a prepared statement outside.

• Rigby's fiancée 'thankful' after killers' appeals rejected

The fiancée of murdered soldier Fusilier Lee Rigby has welcomed rulings by the Court of Appeal to reject appeals by his killers.

Speaking afterwards, Aimee West said: "I am relieved and thankful with the outcome of today's hearing."

Michael Adebolajo had appealed against his conviction, while co-defendant Michael Adebowale had appealed against his life sentence.

The Court of Appeal has thrown out an appeal by Michael Adebowale to have his minimum 45 year sentence reduced.

It comes after judges rejected an appeal by his co-defendant Michael Adebolajo against his conviction.

Lee Rigby's wife sobbed with relief in court as the decision was announced.

The widow of murdered soldier Lee Rigby has attended the Royal Courts of Justice to hear the appeals of his killers.

Michael Adebolajo this morning lost his bid to challenge both his conviction and a whole-life sentence which condemns him to die behind bars.

The panel of three judges sitting at the High Court took just a few minutes to dismiss the argument that he had not broken the Queen's Peace, ITV News Correspondent Juliet Bremner has reported.

Lawyers for his co-accused Michael Adebowale, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 45 years, are separately arguing for a reduction in his sentence.

• Read: Lee Rigby's father wants apology from security agencies

Michael Adebolajo, one of the two Islamic fanatics found guilty of the murder of soldier Lee Rigby, has lost a Court of Appeal challenge against his conviction.

Adebolajo wanted to challenge both his conviction and his whole-life sentence for last year's killing.

The case was heard by Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, sitting at the Court of Appeal in London with Lady Justice Hallett and Mr Justice Openshaw.

• Read: Lee Rigby's father wants apology from security agencies