Several broadcast networks have been cleared by Ofcom for televising remarks made by radical cleric Anjem Choudary after the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

Mr Choudary, who lives in Walthamstow, refused to condemn the soldier’s murder in may and said he knew one of the men who killed him, Michael Adebolajo, during interviews on Newsnight, Daybreak and Channel 4 news.

During the Daybreak interview he also said Adebolajo was “considered to be courageous and a hero” in some Muslim countries.

He and Adebolajo had met at Islamist demonstrations, he claimed.

But the communications watchdog ruled that the programmes had not broken any rules because Mr Choudary was sufficiently challenged by presenters and his views were contextualised as those of the minority.

More than 20 viewers complained to Ofcom, saying they felt his views were offensive.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, of Romford, and Michael Adebowale, 22, of Greenwich, were convicted of murder in December and await sentencing.