Said Aitabbou, 58, from Charlton, was seen tearing up flowers, smashing plant pots, and throwing poppy wreaths at the memorial tree dedicated to Fusilier Rigby. The tree is located just metres from where the 25-year-old was murdered by extremists in May 2013.
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Police were called to the scene on Sunday, July 28, and Aitabbou was arrested around 1pm. He later pleaded guilty to criminal damage. On Thursday, September 12, he appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court, where Deputy District Judge Balmain sentenced him to four months in prison. The judge highlighted that the sentence was necessary because Aitabbou had been drunk, not taking his medication, and had damaged a memorial.
The vandalism of the memorial has drawn local outrage, given the significance of the site to those commemorating Rigby’s service and sacrifice.
