Illegal Gun Factory Bosses Sentenced After NCA Sting
A man and woman have been locked up for running a secret factory making live ammunition and handguns. The National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation exposed their shady operation.
Surrey and West Sussex Duo Jailed
Lee Rice, 38, from Byfleet, Surrey, and Marie Brazier, 49, from Lancing, West Sussex, were convicted of conspiracy to sell prohibited weapons after a 12-day trial at Hove Crown Court. They were sentenced today at Lewes Crown Court. Rice gets eight years, Brazier six.
Britain’s First Known Illegal Handgun Factory
The gun factory in Diplocks Way, Hailsham, was crafting pistols from scratch — a first for UK law enforcement. It was shut down in 2018 during a major NCA raid. Officers seized three guns, including two made on-site, plus parts for 121 more pistols.
Thirteen pistols from the factory have been found in criminals’ hands since. One weapon recovered in North London even had Rice’s DNA on an internal spring, the jury heard.
Criminal Network Behind Illegal Firearms
- Kyle Wood, 34, of Littlehampton, and Greg Akehurst, 34, no fixed abode, were caught distributing the guns. They are serving a combined 29-and-a-half years.
- Mark Kinman, 64, the factory’s gunsmith from Hailsham, pleaded guilty but died in prison before sentencing.
Brazier and Rice bought 366 inert rounds over five months in 2018 from military memorabilia sites, along with 11 pistol magazines. They transformed these into live ammunition by adding gunpowder and primers at the factory.
Emails from Brazier to online sellers showed her efforts to source even more ammo parts. Following an order of 50 rounds, she asked: “Do you know anywhere in the UK I could source more from?”
Phones and Locations Tie Duo to Crime
Phone data revealed calls between the pair and others linked to the factory during its operation. Rice’s phone was tracked near the site weeks before the raid.
Rice and Brazier were arrested at home in February 2019. When cautioned, Brazier claimed, “I don’t know anything about no guns.”
Officials Slam Illegal Gun Trade
Andy Noyes, NCA Branch Commander: “Suppressing the flow of illegal guns is one of our top priorities. Rice and Brazier played key roles in supplying pistols and ammo that fueled serious violence on UK streets. We’ll keep hunting those who feed organised crime.”
Sarah Jennings, CPS Specialist Prosecutor: “These illegal firearms threaten our communities. Thanks to the NCA and prosecution team, justice has been done. Let this be clear: anyone making or selling illegal guns will face tough sentences.”
