Armed police arrested Thomas McKenna, 60, at a traveller site in Buckles Lane, South Ockendon, Essex, in November 2024. The lorry driver had been operating a covert gun-conversion workshop from three caravans on the site, which is part of the UK's largest traveller site.
During the raid, officers discovered loaded pistols, ammunition and improvised explosive devices inside one of the caravans. Prosecutors revealed that McKenna used basic tools to convert blank-firing guns into lethal weapons, supplying a criminal network across London and the South East.
Investigators also found extremist messages calling for violence. McKenna has pleaded guilty to 14 charges, including collecting terrorist information and possessing prohibited firearms. He is due to be sentenced at a later date.
