A court has heard how a far-right extremist ran a firearms conversion operation while preparing for what he described as a future “race war”.
Proceedings at Kingston Crown Court revealed that Thomas McKenna, 60, converted blank-firing pistols into lethal weapons and supplied them to organised crime groups across London and the South East.
Prosecutors said McKenna also stockpiled weapons and explosives at a traveller site in Buckles Lane, South Ockendon, Essex, where he lived in a caravan with his partner, Tina Smith, 55.
Emily Dummett, prosecuting, told the court that McKenna sent extremist messages urging associates to “get yourself ready” and declaring that “the time for protesting is over”. In online communications, he discussed plans to “shoot”, “kill”, and “neutralise” Muslims and immigrants, claiming violence was necessary before “they are too many”.
The court heard that McKenna used specialist tools, including a lathe and drill, to reactivate blank-firing guns and sell them for profit to criminal networks. Officers later recovered manuals on bomb-making and firearms, along with improvised explosive devices containing black powder and shrapnel.
One of the recipients of McKenna’s weapons was Faisal Razzaq, who had previously been convicted over the fatal shooting of Sharon Beshenivsky during a robbery in Bradford in 2005. Prosecutors said Razzaq received firearms for onward sale to criminal customers.
A converted pistol and ammunition linked to McKenna were found at Razzaq’s home in Edgware, north London. Investigators believe McKenna produced more weapons than those recovered.
Police raids in November 2024 on three caravans linked to McKenna uncovered two loaded firearms, two improvised explosive devices, a replica AK47, ammunition, crossbows, hunting knives and knuckle dusters.
Footage shown in court captured armed officers surrounding McKenna’s caravan and escorting him away after discovering the weapons cache.
The court was told McKenna also shared online material with Smith showing how to manufacture explosives. Both were believed to have lived and slept in the caravan where the weapons were stored.
In total, McKenna, Smith and eight others were convicted as part of a firearms conspiracy. Several associates admitted roles in selling, transferring or possessing prohibited weapons.
McKenna has pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including converting firearms, making explosives and collecting terrorist information. Smith admitted four charges linked to the conspiracy.
Other defendants, including Allan Crosby, Ryan Smith, Ricky Dorey and Robert Dorey, pleaded guilty to firearms-related offences. Abdul Saleh, Loughnane and Tammy Rigg also admitted charges connected to illegal weapons.
Prosecutors said reactivated blank-firing pistols are widely used by criminals because they are easier to obtain than conventional firearms but can be just as deadly.
Sentencing for McKenna, Smith and several co-defendants is due to conclude on 6 February, with further hearings scheduled next month for the remaining defendants.