Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were found guilty
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were found guilty of the muder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich Reuters

A court took just 45 seconds to reject an appeal from Michael Adebolajo against his conviction for murdering Lee Rigby.

Adebolajo attempted to challenge his conviction and the whole life sentence he was given for killing the Fusilier in Woolwich in May 2013.

His accomplice Michael Adebowale also appealed against his 45-year sentence for his part in the murder. The Court of Appeal took just a few seconds to reject their claims they killed the soldier as they were "fighting a war".

The case was heard by Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas along with Lady Justice Hallett and Mr Justice Openshaw.

Thomas rejected the pair's appeals and said they were "just" punishment for the "horrific and barbaric" murder.

After the decision was announced, Fusilier Rigby's fiancee Aimee West said: "I am relieved and thankful with the outcome of today's hearing.

"I hope that this is the last we will hear from them both, so that I can focus on rebuilding my life and keeping Lee's memory alive."

The British born Muslim converts hit Rigby with their car before attacking him with a knife and meat cleaver on the streets of Woolwich in the daylight attack. The pair claimed they were "soldiers of Allah" and targeted Rigby, who was wearing a Help the Heroes hooded top, because he was a British soldier.