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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.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests
The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.
In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.
As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.
In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.
Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.
Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.
This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.
During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.
The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.
Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.
In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".
Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.
Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.
The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.
The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.
As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.
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