One of the men who brutally killed Fusilier Lee Rigby is suing for compensation two years after his teeth were knocked out during an incident in high-security Belmarsh prison.
Michael Adebolajo was convicted last year alongside Michael Adebowale of murdering the 22-year-old soldier, who was run over and hacked to death near Woolwich barracks, south-east London, in broad daylight in May 2013.
While he was being held at Belmarsh prison after the killing, Adebolajo had his two front teeth knocked out and claimed he had been assaulted by five prison officers.
The officers were suspended from work after the incident but were later told they had no case to answer, with the Prison Officers' Association insisting that only approved restraint techniques had been used.
Tributes paid to Lee Rigby, who was murdered two years ago by Adebolajo
A Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spokesman said it will "robustly" defend the compensation claim, which The Sun reported could be up to £20,000.
He said: "A police investigation into this incident took place and no charges were brought against members of staff.
"The public will be rightly outraged at the thought of this man receiving compensation from the taxpayer and we robustly defend claims made against the Prison Service."
The MoJ said it has successfully defended two thirds of prisoner claims over the last three years.
Adebolajo horrified millions of people by appearing on camera with bloodied hands clutching a knife and a meat cleaver moments after killing Fusilier Rigby, a father of one.
The Lambeth-born murderer was condemned to die in prison with a whole-life jail term for the killing, while Adebowale was sentenced to life with a minimum 45 years.
At their sentencing the pair lashed out violently in the dock, screaming "Allahu Akbar" and wrestling with security guards.