A couple driven by intense anti-Muslim hatred stockpiled lethal weapons, manufactured deadly ammunition and explosives, and openly prepared for a violent “race war” against Muslims, leading to lengthy prison sentences handed down at Kingston Crown Court yesterday.
Thomas McKenna, 60, and his partner Tina Smith, 55, were convicted of multiple serious firearms and explosives offences.
These included converting blank-firing pistols into functional lethal guns, producing explosive powders and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), possessing prohibited weapons, and collecting terrorist-related information.
Their actions were not mere criminal profiteering but were deeply rooted in extremist anti-Muslim ideology.
Both McKenna and Smith harboured virulent hatred toward Muslims, viewing them as an existential threat and stockpiling arms in explicit anticipation of violent racial conflict.
McKenna operated a covert weapons workshop from a static caravan in Essex, where he converted Turkish blank-firing Ceonic pistols into viable firearms using tools like lathes and drills. Forensic evidence linked these to specially modified ammunition designed to inflict maximum damage.
Investigators uncovered a functional IED packed with black powder and shrapnel, over four kilograms of explosive precursor chemicals, another shrapnel-free IED, and extensive manuals on bomb-making and weapon modification.
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Digital evidence from messages and communications painted a clear picture of their hatred. McKenna discussed plans for armed rebellion and “race war,” sending warnings to associates to “get yourself ready” and explicitly stating the weapons were intended to kill, shoot or neutralise Muslims and immigrants “before they are too many.”
Tina Smith matched this rhetoric, expressing violently anti-Muslim views and messaging associates about “shooting them all.” Their extremism intensified around and after the October 7 attack on Israel, fuelling their preparations for what they saw as inevitable violent confrontation with Muslims.
Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism at the CPS, emphasised the ideological drive “Thomas McKenna, supported by Tina Smith, converted and sold illegal weapons and ammunition as part of a dangerous enterprise. There is no scenario in which they could have believed these weapons were destined for anything other than serious harm.
“Both McKenna and Smith held extremist anti-Muslim views. Their stockpiling of weapons and explosives was fuelled by a deep-seated belief in the inevitability of violent conflict against Muslims — not simply criminal opportunism, but preparation for a so-called ‘race war.’
“It is only thanks to our policing partners that these weapons were recovered before they could be used in fatal incidents linked to their hateful ideology. Today’s sentences reflect both the grave criminality and the extremist motivations behind their actions.”
Allan Crosby, 44, and Ryan Smith, 44 — customers in McKenna’s network — were also sentenced for firearms and drugs offences after admitting to purchasing converted weapons. DNA evidence tied them to the items, and police found street-level cocaine at Crosby’s home.
The overwhelming evidence — including forensic reports, surveillance, WhatsApp and TikTok messages, and cell-site data — prompted McKenna and Smith to plead guilty before a full trial.
Sentences:
Thomas McKenna (DOB: 23/01/1966), of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon — 16 years in custody plus 5 years on extended licence for offences including possessing prohibited firearms and ammunition, converting imitation firearms, conspiracy to sell prohibited ammunition, making explosives, and collecting terrorist information (x3).
Tina Smith (DOB: 17/01/1971), of Chigwell — 7 years (6 in custody) for possessing prohibited firearms (x2), possessing ammunition without certificate, making explosives, and collecting terrorist information (x1).
Allan Crosby (DOB: 29/07/1981), of Sidcup — 10 years in custody for possessing prohibited firearm/ammunition and possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Ryan Smith (DOB: 04/10/1981), of Dunton Green — 7½ years in custody for possessing prohibited firearm/ammunition.
