Ex-PSNI officer admits trying to buy pistol and ammo over the dark web

A FORMER PSNI officer pleaded guilty yesterday to attempting to purchase a gun, ammunition and silencer on the dark web.

Allen Kennedy, whose address was given as c/o Strandtown police station in east Belfast, had been due to go on trial on of 14 gun, ammunition and drug charges.

At Downpatrick Crown Court, defence barrister Conan Rae made an application to Judge Piers Grant for his 31-year-old client to be rearraigned.

Dressed in a grey two-piece suit, white shirt and grey tie, Kennedy confirmed his age and address to the court clerk before he was formally rearraigned.

The defendant (right) then pleaded guilty to attempting to possess a pistol, 10 rounds of ammunition and a silencer in September last year.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing 102.24 grammes of cocaine with intent to supply.

Prosecution barrister Laura Ivers asked that a further eight charges relating to the firearm, ammunition and drug of- fences be “left on the books in the usual terms’’.

Judge Grant ordered the preparation of a probation report ahead of a plea and sentencing hearing next month.

The defence barrister said there was no application for bail and the judge remanded Kennedy back into custody to Maghaberry prison. No details were given in court about the circumstances surrounding the gun and drug offences, but a previous hearing was told the charges related to Kennedy’s involvement in trying to buy the firearm and ammunition over the dark web.

Following his arrest, the defendant resigned from the PSNI, having previously been suspended on an unrelated matter.

The court was told the then serving constable was detained during an undercover sting operation that is said to have resulted in the seizure of quantities of cocaine hidden in tins.

The court heard Kennedy was arrested at Annadale Embankment in south Belfast on September 5 last year after handing over £500 to receive a package.

A detective said the accused had used an online moniker and tag to arrange to buy a Russian pistol, silencer and ammunition over the dark web — a part of the internet hidden from normal web browsers.

Searches of his vehicle were said to have uncovered drugs inside hides disguised as tins of drink and WD-40.

Suspected dealer bags and mobiles containing text messages associated with someone allegedly involved in supplying narcotics were also seized.

Two properties were raided as part of the investigation, which stretched to the Down area.

In one bedroom where Kennedy stayed, police found quantities of ecstasy and cannabis, more drug-related paraphernalia, price lists, ammunition and documents linked to the use of the dark web, the court was told.

According to the defence, Kennedy has been diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

It was also claimed he was trying to purchase the weapon to take his own life — a claim rejected by police.