A vandal who trashed the Lee Rigby memorial in Woolwich has been slapped with a four-month jail term. Meet Said Aitabbou, 58, from Charlton, pictured here for the first time since his sentencing at Bexley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (September 12).
Memorial Mayhem: Flowers Ripped, Wreaths Smashed
On July 28, Aitabbou caused chaos at the memorial just metres from where Fusilier Lee Rigby was fatally attacked in 2013. He was caught on CCTV ripping up flowers, smashing plant pots, and throwing poppy wreaths to the ground in a shocking act of criminal damage.
Local Hero Cleans Up After Mess
Connor Tuxford, 31, a warehouse worker from the area, witnessed the destruction and stepped in to tidy the site. “He was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, clearly waiting for attention. I saw him ripping up the flowers and smashing jars,” said Connor. “I cleaned up the memorial afterwards because no one else did.” Passersby even applauded his efforts as he restored the tribute.
Judge Hits Back: Prison Was Inevitable
Deputy District Judge Balmain made it clear that jail time was necessary for Aitabbou. “He was drunk, off his medication, and deliberately targeted a memorial,” the judge said, underlining the seriousness of the offence.
The Harrowing Lee Rigby Story
Lee Rigby, an Afghanistan veteran, was brutally murdered in May 2013 outside Woolwich Barracks. Extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale ran him down with a car before attacking him with knives and a meat cleaver. Adebolajo was sentenced to a whole-life term, while Adebowale received a minimum of 45 years behind bars.
