At Kingston Crown Court, Thomas McKenna, 60, and Tina Smith, 55, received lengthy prison sentences after convictions for multiple firearms and explosives offences tied to extremist anti-Muslim ideology. Prosecutors said the pair stockpiled weapons, manufactured ammunition and improvised explosive devices, and prepared for a violent “race war.” Evidence showed McKenna ran a covert workshop in a caravan in Essex converting blank-firing pistols into lethal firearms and producing explosive materials.

Investigators from the Metropolitan Police recovered converted guns, modified ammunition, explosive precursor chemicals, and bomb-making manuals, along with a functional IED packed with powder and shrapnel. Digital messages presented in court showed both defendants expressing violent anti-Muslim views and discussing plans for armed conflict. Prosecutor Bethan David said the weapons had no plausible purpose other than serious harm and that their stockpiling was driven by extremist beliefs rather than profit.

Two associates were also sentenced: Allan Crosby, 44, received 10 years for firearms and drug offences, and Ryan Smith, 44, received 7½ years for prohibited weapons offences. The Crown Prosecution Service said forensic analysis, surveillance, communications data, and DNA evidence linked the men to the weapons network, leading McKenna and Tina Smith to plead guilty before trial. McKenna was sentenced to 16 years plus five years extended licence, while Tina Smith received seven years with six in custody.