Irish national Thomas Kavanagh, 57, had hoped that by leading the National Crime Agency to a buried cache of 11 weapons, he could influence sentencing in a multi-million pound drug smuggling case. Thomas Kavanagh admitted his part in the conspiracy last month (NCA/PA)In May 2021, Kavanagh provided information to the NCA which led them to a field in Newry, Northern Ireland, where two holdalls were unearthed. The plot was foiled after the NCA uncovered incriminating messages on encrypted EncroChat which had been cracked by French counterparts. Ahead of their Old Bailey trial, Kavanagh, Byrne and Kent admitted the conspiracy last month. He then used his EncroChat device to relay instructions to others tasked with him to obtain the guns and ammunition, the court was told.

Source: The Herald October 21, 2024 12:16 UTC