The trial of the two men accused of murdering the soldier Lee Rigby is scheduled to begin on Friday. The start of the trial had been delayed, but on Tuesday the trial judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, gave the media permission to report that the opening of the prosecution case before a jury was imminent.
The judge said he will hear further legal submissions before the crown can outline the evidence which, it says, will demonstrate the guilt of Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.
Rigby, 25, a drummer and machine-gunner in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died on May 22 2013 as he walked back to Woolwich military barracks, south London, in broad daylight. Witnesses reported that he was struck by a car and then stabbed.
Adebolajo, 28, and Adebowale, 22, deny murder.
Last week the two accused appeared in the dock together at the Old Bailey, separated by security guards. They spoke only to confirm their names.
Adebolajo has asked to be addressed as Mujaahid Abu Hamza, and his co-accused has asked to be addressed as Ismail Ibn Abdullah during proceedings.
The two men also stand accused of the attempted murder of a police officer and conspiring to murder a police officer.
