Killer of UK soldier Lee Rigby suing prison for lost teeth

LONDON: The extremist convicted of fatally hacking British soldier Lee Rigby two years ago is suing prison officials over having his two front teeth knocked out.

Michael Adebolajo seeks compensation for losing the teeth during a confrontation with prison personnel after his arrest but before his trial.

He claims he was assaulted by five prison officers two years ago.

The government indicated Thursday it will challenge the compensation claim. A Ministry of Justice statement said a police investigation into the incident ended without charges being brought against the officers involved.

Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were convicted of murdering 22-year-old Rigby on May 22, 2013 by running him over with a car and hacking him to death in a brazen daylight attack.

The attackers were inspired by al-Qaida.