A far-right extremist who stockpiled weapons and supplied illegal firearms while preparing for what he described as a coming “race war” against Muslims and immigrants has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Thomas McKenna, 60, a lorry driver originally from Glasgow, was found to have been deeply involved in extremist ideology while running a sophisticated weapons operation linked to organised crime groups. Investigators said his activities posed a serious and immediate threat to public safety.
Online radicalisation and extremist messaging
Police revealed that McKenna used the social media platform TikTok to communicate with other extremists, sharing racist views and repeatedly warning contacts to prepare for imminent violence. In one exchange, he claimed attacks would begin “soon enough” and encouraged others to acquire weapons, including crossbows.
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Counter-terror officers said McKenna’s online activity showed clear signs of escalating radicalisation, fuelled by repeated exposure to extremist content and reinforcement from like-minded users.
Stockpiling weapons and explosives
According to the investigation, McKenna had spent years acquiring the skills and equipment needed to manufacture and modify weapons. Officers discovered that he was converting imitation firearms into lethal weapons and experimenting with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple said McKenna was actively preparing for violent attacks, driven by intense anti-Muslim hatred. Messages recovered from his devices showed he believed violence was inevitable and that he needed to be “ready” before what he described as demographic change.
Large-scale police operation
The investigation was led by the Metropolitan Police, supported by specialist counter-terror officers. In November 2024, more than 80 officers carried out coordinated raids on three caravans controlled by McKenna at a traveller site in South Ockendon, Essex.
Inside, police uncovered an industrial-level workshop used to manufacture firearms and explosives. Seized items included homemade explosives, converted blank-firing guns, imitation assault weapons, military clothing, knives, and manuals detailing the construction of firearms and munitions.
Bomb disposal specialists from the Ministry of Defence were brought in due to the scale and danger of the materials found.
Network dismantled
Police confirmed that McKenna was supplying converted weapons to criminal networks across the region. Forensic testing linked multiple recovered firearms directly to his workshop, with officers warning that the weapons were as deadly as factory-made guns.
McKenna pleaded guilty to 14 offences, including making explosives, collecting terrorist information, and conspiring to sell prohibited firearms and ammunition. His criminal history included previous firearms convictions dating back to the late 1990s.
Girlfriend and associates jailed
McKenna’s partner, Tina Smith, 55, was also sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting her role in helping manufacture explosives and source materials. Investigators said she was fully aware of the extremist activities taking place around her.
Several other members of the network received lengthy prison sentences at Kingston Crown Court, including individuals previously banned from possessing firearms due to violent criminal records.
Preventing future attacks
Officers said McKenna had the capability to carry out a mass-casualty attack, warning that the case highlights the danger posed by lone actors radicalised online while operating within criminal supply chains.
DCI Tipple said the operation had significantly reduced the circulation of converted firearms in London and surrounding areas, describing the case as a major blow to illegal gun supply networks.
“This investigation removed some of the most dangerous individuals from our streets,” he said. “The impact on public safety cannot be overstated.”
