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Man imprisoned for plotting violent extremist action
A 60-year-old man, Thomas McKenna, operated a facility for converting guns out of a caravan located in South Ockenden, Essex.
A 60-year-old lorry driver has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison for converting blank-firing pistols into live guns for sale to organized crime groups, while also preparing for a self-proclaimed "race war".
Thomas McKenna, originally from Glasgow, had established a makeshift gun-conversion operation in a caravan on a travelers' site in South Ockenden, Essex.
At the site, McKenna utilized a lathe and drills to modify pistols into functional firearms, which he then sold to crime groups in and around London, often painting the guns black to disguise them.
Authorities have reported a significant decrease in shootings involving converted firearms in London since McKenna's arrest, highlighting his key role as a supplier of illicit guns to criminals.
McKenna was also found to be stockpiling firearms, explosives, and homemade grenades in anticipation of a perceived "race war" against Muslims, which he believed was imminent.
One of the individuals who purchased guns from McKenna was Faisal Razzaq, 44, who had been involved in the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky in 2005.
Beshenivsky was fatally shot at close range during an armed robbery at a travel agency in Bradford on November 2005.
McKenna's partner, Tina Smith, received a six-year prison sentence, with an additional 12-month custodial term, at Kingston Crown Court.
Two men who bought guns from McKenna, Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith, both 44, were sentenced to 10 years and seven and a half years in prison, respectively.
Judge Lodder KC described McKenna as a "dangerous" individual who played a crucial role in a significant criminal enterprise.
The judge noted that while Tina Smith was under McKenna's influence, it was unlikely she was unaware of his illicit activities.
A police raid on McKenna's residence uncovered two homemade explosive devices, one containing bullets and screws, hidden in a jug within the caravan.
The discovery prompted the involvement of counter-terrorism detectives and a bomb disposal team.
An examination of McKenna's electronic devices revealed his stockpiling of weapons and explosives in preparation for the anticipated "race war".
Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple stated that McKenna held strong anti-Muslim sentiments and had sent messages to acquaintances about collecting weapons to "kill" or "shoot" Muslims.
McKenna had advised friends to purchase crossbows and was found to be in possession of a hunting knife, throwing axes, and knuckledusters.
Investigators discovered a series of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant messages sent by McKenna.
In one message, McKenna wrote, "They have flooded our lands, it's a hostile takeover."
On the messaging app Signal, he stated, "I believe we need to hit them first ASAP."
In another message, McKenna wrote, "We just kill them all. Easier now than later."
Police became aware of McKenna's racist ideologies and uncovered a significant illegal gun-supply network after stopping a vehicle en route to the Notting Hill Carnival in August 2024.
The car was found to contain a converted Turkish blank-firing pistol, capable of firing real hollow-point bullets.
The vehicle was being driven by an associate of Razzaq, who had connections to London's criminal underworld.
Police had been monitoring Razzaq since his release from prison, where he was serving a life sentence for his involvement in PC Beshenivsky's murder.
A search of Razzaq's home in Harrow uncovered a converted gun hidden in a secret compartment within a makeshift wardrobe.
DNA and fingerprint evidence on the gun led investigators to McKenna, who resided in one of three caravans on the South Ockenden travelers' site with his partner, Tina Smith.
Smith worked as a bus driver and shared a caravan with McKenna.
A subsequent raid in Mereworth, Kent, uncovered another converted gun and hollow-point bullets at a commercial premises operated by Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith.
Both Crosby and Smith have prior convictions for cocaine dealing and met while incarcerated.
On November 6, 2024, police launched a large-scale operation to arrest McKenna, involving multiple forces, firearms officers, and counter-terrorism units.
Detective Chief Inspector Tipple reported that the raid had an immediate impact on the reduction of converted blank firearms used in London shootings.
Tipple stated that the decline in shootings demonstrates the significance of McKenna's role in the supply of illicit firearms and the importance of dismantling his network.
The reduction in shootings highlights the crucial nature of the police operation and the impact of McKenna's arrest on the supply of converted firearms in London.
In addition to converting blank-firing pistols, McKenna also purchased deactivated weapons, including a Kalashnikov AK47 assault rifle and a Sten submachine gun, with the intention of reactivating them.
McKenna pleaded guilty to 14 charges, including firearms and explosives offenses, as well as collecting material that could be useful for terrorism.
Tina Smith admitted to five charges related to firearms, explosives, and collecting terrorist material.
Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith were convicted of three firearms offenses, with Crosby also admitting to possessing Class A drugs.
Other individuals connected to McKenna's network, including Faisal Razzaq, Abdul Saleh, Ricky Dorey, Robert Dorey, Patrick Loughnane, and Tammy Rigg, are scheduled to be sentenced on February 26 at Harrow Crown Court.
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Tudor to take interim charge of Tottenham
Igor Tudor has reached an agreement to take the reins as Tottenham’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Tottenham has reached an agreement with Igor Tudor to take the helm as interim head coach for the remainder of the current season.
For the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and perspectives from fans, look to Tottenham's recent news and discussion.
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UAE Defeats Canada to Enhance Super 8s Qualification Chances
The United Arab Emirates boosted their slim chances of advancing to the T20 World Cup Super 8s, securing a narrow five-wicket victory over Canada, thanks in part to Aryansh Sharma’s unbeaten 74.
In a crucial match for the United Arab Emirates, Aryansh Sharma achieved his fifth T20 international half-century, contributing to the team's victory over Canada.
The Men's T20 World Cup, being held in Group D in Delhi, saw an intense competition between the two teams.
Canada's innings resulted in a total of 150-7 after 20 overs, with Harsh Thaker scoring 50 runs off 41 balls, while Junaid Siddique took 5 wickets for 35 runs.
The UAE team responded with a total of 154 runs in 19.4 overs, led by Aryansh Sharma's unbeaten 74 runs off 53 balls and Sohaib Khan's 51 runs off 29 balls, despite Bin Zafar taking 3 wickets for 14 runs.
The United Arab Emirates secured a five-wicket win over Canada, boosting their chances in the tournament.
Aryansh Sharma played a pivotal role in the UAE's win, scoring an unbeaten 74 runs to help his team overcome Canada's total.
With four overs remaining, Canada seemed poised to defend their total, but Sohaib Khan's aggressive batting reignited the UAE's chase, as he scored 17 runs off Dillon Heyliger's bowling.
In the final over, the UAE required eight runs to win, and Aryansh Sharma eased the pressure by hitting a six off Jaskaran Singh's first ball.
Sohaib Khan was dismissed after scoring a rapid 51 runs off 29 balls, including four sixes, leaving the scores level.
Muhammad Arfan then sealed the victory with two balls to spare, hitting a four off Jaskaran Singh, as Aryansh Sharma top-scored with 74 runs off 53 balls.
The UAE now stands third in Group D with two points, but they face an uphill task in their upcoming matches against full members South Africa and Afghanistan to advance to the next phase.
Although the UAE has never beaten a full member in any World Cup format, their performance in this match has given them some confidence.
Earlier in the match, Junaid Siddique achieved the best bowling figures by a UAE player in a T20 World Cup, taking 5 wickets for 35 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Harsh Thaker's 41-ball half-century, which included three sixes and two fours, provided a solid foundation for Canada's total.
Thaker and Navneet Dhaliwal shared a 58-run partnership to help Canada recover from a difficult start, before Dhaliwal was run out for 34 runs.
After Thaker fell victim to Junaid Siddique's slower ball, Canada struggled to find boundaries against the UAE's tight bowling.
Shreyas Movva made a useful contribution of 21 runs off 21 balls, but Junaid Siddique took two wickets in the final over to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals.
In a separate match, Zimbabwe's Brilliant Muzarabani played a key role in his team's stunning win over Australia.
For more updates, notifications, and social media coverage, visit the BBC Sport website.
In another development, Paul Stirling has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup due to injury.
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Guardiola Advocates for Cultural Embrace to Foster a Better Society
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has stated that accepting diverse cultures will lead to a more harmonious society, in reaction to comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration.
As a player, Pep Guardiola earned 47 international caps for Spain, showcasing his skills on the global stage.
Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, believes that embracing diverse cultures is essential for creating a more harmonious society.
Guardiola was questioned about his thoughts on comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who stated that the UK had been "colonised by immigrants", sparking a debate.
Following criticism, Ratcliffe apologised for any offence caused, while still advocating for open discussion on the issue.
Ahead of Manchester City's FA Cup fourth-round match against Salford, Guardiola shared his perspective, saying that people seek better lives and opportunities, which can be found in their birthplace or elsewhere.
According to Guardiola, one's birthplace is not a determining factor in their potential or aspirations.
Many individuals are forced to leave their homelands due to problems in their native countries, rather than a desire to abandon their roots.
Guardiola emphasized that by genuinely embracing other cultures, society as a whole can improve, a notion he has no doubts about.
An examination of the facts behind Jim Ratcliffe's statements on immigration and benefits is also underway.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire, has made headlines, but who is he and how did he accumulate his wealth?
Born in Santpedor, Catalonia, Spain, Guardiola has had a diverse career, playing in Spain, Italy, Qatar, and Mexico, before transitioning to management.
As a manager, the 55-year-old has had stints in Spain, Germany, and England, taking the helm at Manchester City in 2016.
Guardiola views the issue of immigration as a global problem, stating that it is a concern that affects many countries.
He believes that immigrants are often unfairly blamed for problems in their adopted countries, highlighting the fact that one's birthplace is often a matter of circumstance.
Guardiola reiterated that people from all backgrounds strive for a better life, seeking opportunities that may be available in their birth country or elsewhere.
He stressed that factors such as skin colour or birthplace should not be barriers to achieving one's goals.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Manchester City, please refer to our dedicated section.
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