PC Beshenivsky's Killer Admits Role in Illegal Gun Network
Faisal Razzaq, the man previously jailed for life over the shooting of hero police constable Sharon Beshenivsky, is facing a new prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple firearms offences. Razzaq, 44, admitted his involvement in a conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited firearms, alongside charges of possession with intent to endanger life.
From Murder Conviction to Firearms Offences
Razzaq was originally sentenced to life imprisonment for his role as getaway driver and lookout in the fatal shooting of PC Beshenivsky in Bradford during November 2005. The mother-of-five was killed at point-blank range while responding to a robbery at a travel agency. Her colleague, PC Teresa Milburn, was seriously wounded in the same incident.
Despite receiving a life sentence, Razzaq was released from prison in 2017 after serving just eleven years. His latest criminal activities came to light during proceedings against other members of an extensive firearms network.
Network Included Far-Right Extremist
Prosecutor Emily Dummett told Kingston Crown Court that Razzaq operated as part of a criminal organisation that manufactured and distributed illegal weapons. The network included far-right extremist Thomas McKenna, 60, who was stockpiling firearms and explosives in preparation for what he described as a "race war" against Muslims and immigrants.
McKenna has pleaded guilty to fourteen separate charges, including converting imitation firearms, conspiracy to sell prohibited weapons, making explosives, and collecting terrorist information. Police discovered he was operating a weapons workshop from caravans on a traveller site in South Ockendon, Essex.
Weapons Discovered at Razzaq's Home
During September 2024, police officers searching Razzaq's address in Edgware, north-west London, discovered a converted Ceonic p250 pistol and modified ammunition. Ms Dummett explained that Razzaq's specific role involved receiving firearms for onward sale to criminal customers after their transfer by other network members.
The discovery of weapons at Razzaq's home occurred just four months after Piran Ditta Khan was finally sentenced for PC Beshenivsky's murder, following nearly two decades evading justice.
Extensive Network Uncovered
The court heard that police first became aware of the firearms network after stopping a silver Audi in Harrow during August 2024. The driver was found carrying a converted gun and thousands of pounds in cash.
Other network members appearing alongside McKenna included his live-in partner Tina Smith, 55, who helped manufacture explosives and shared his extremist views. Additional defendants Allan Crosby, 44, and Ryan Smith, 44, were convicted of firearms possession following a trial last November.
McKenna's Disturbing Communications
The prosecution presented extensive evidence of McKenna's extremist ideology, including messages where he discussed "slotting these monsters," "killing them all," and preparing for violent conflict. He urged associates to purchase crossbows and spoke about "neutralising" Muslims and immigrants.
Ms Dummett told the court: "He was stockpiling weapons including firearms and explosive substances that he made together with Ms Smith and IEDs for use, on the communications, in a race war to fight and kill the Muslims, the immigrants and so on."
Explosives and Weapons Cache
Police discovered over 4.5 kilograms of black powder explosive substance in the couple's caravans, along with ingredients to manufacture more. Officers found improvised explosive devices made from plastic fish baiters containing black powder, with bullets intended as initiation mechanisms.
The workshop contained drills, lathes, and welding equipment used to convert blank-firing weapons into functioning firearms. Six reactivated guns linked to McKenna have been recovered, though prosecutors believe he manufactured more.
Additional Network Members
Further defendants include Ricky Dorey, 43, and his brother Robert, 44, who both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell prohibited firearms. Patrick Loughnane, 59, and his partner Tammy Rigg, 39, have also admitted firearms offences.
All defendants will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court next month, with the sentencing hearing for McKenna, Tina Smith, Crosby, and Ryan Smith concluding at Kingston Crown Court on February 6.
Razzaq's Previous Conduct
When approached by Sunday Mirror investigators last year about whether he felt remorse for PC Beshenivsky's death, Razzaq responded angrily: "Who told you I live here? Go away." He then drove off in a Mercedes C-Class vehicle similar to the one used in the fatal robbery nearly two decades earlier.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal firearms circulation and the dangerous ideologies driving some criminal networks in the UK.
