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A pair of al Qaeda-inspired extremists have been jailed for the murder of an off-duty British soldier who was hacked to death on a London street in front of horrified crowds.

Self-described "soldier of Allah" Michael Adebolajo was sentenced to life behind bars, while his co-killer Michael Adebowale received a minimum of 45 years in prison.

The two British Muslim converts were convicted by a jury in December of murdering Lee Rigby, a 25-year-old member of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and an Afghan war veteran.

There were dramatic scenes in the London courtroom as the two murderers as sentencing began.

Adebolajo shouted at the judge, and he and Adebowale who also protested, were both restrained and pinned down by several guards at the Old Bailey.

Adebowale screamed "Allahu Akbar" and hurled abuse at the guards who grappled him to the ground.

The pair were taken back down to the cells and Adebolajo could be heard screaming from downstairs.

Fusilier Rigby's family were visibly distressed, and one relative needed medical treatment.

The judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, then sentenced the men in their absence.

Adebolajo, 29, and Adebowale, 22, ran down Fusilier Rigby with their car before hacking him to death in Woolwich, south-east London, last May.

They both claimed they were motivated by the plight of Muslims abroad to carry out the killing, and have shown no remorse.

During sentencing, the judge said the killers' behaviour was "sickening and pitiless", and that Adebolajo had no hope of rehabilitation.

"Your sickening and pitiless conduct was in stark contrast to the compassion and bravery shown by the various women at the scene who tended to Lee Rigby's body and challenged what you had done and said."

London's Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick said: "Today's sentence reflects the true horror of their actions in taking this young man's life in such a barbaric way.

"Our thoughts remain with Lee's loved ones, who have shown dignity and strength throughout the judicial process."

The soldier's family said Adebolajo and Adebowale had received the "right prison terms" adding: "We feel for Lee."

Victim impact statements were read out to the court, including one from Fusilier Rigby's widow, Rebecca Rigby, who said: "I was also suddenly living in the public gaze.

"I couldn't go anywhere or do anything. I felt like I didn't want to go on. I saw people nudging and looking at me if I walked down the street.

"I know my son will grow up and see images of his dad that no son should have to endure and there's nothing I can do to change this."

Prosecutor Richard Whittam QC said the family's lives had been devastated, adding: "All their lives have been irreparably changed for the worse."

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