Detectives uncovered a makeshift factory in Alfreton, Derbyshire, where Ronald Knowles, 64, converted replica pistols into lethal firearms and manufactured 'assassination kits' including silencers and ammunition. These kits were sold by 'drugs general' Gary Hardy, 61, from Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire, to organised crime groups in the West Midlands and Essex. The operation was dismantled following an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police and EMSOU, leading to the convictions of Knowles, Hardy, Jason Hill (23), and Stephen Houston (64) for serious firearms offences.
Garden gun-maker manufactured assassination kits for crime groups
AlfretonMeasham
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Detectives uncovered a makeshift factory in Alfreton, Derbyshire, where Ronald Knowles, 64, converted replica pistols into lethal firearms and manufactured 'assassination kits' including silencers and ammunition. These kits were sold by 'drugs general' Gary Hardy, 61, from Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire, to organised crime groups in the West Midlands and Essex. The operation was dismantled following an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police and EMSOU, leading to the convictions of Knowles, Hardy, Jason Hill (23), and Stephen Houston (64) for serious firearms offences.
Trending- 1 September 2008: Gary Hardy receives a 20-year sentence for drug dealing.
- 2 June 2023: Owen Fairclough's body found in Breaston.
- 3 Six days after Fairclough's discovery: Police search Jason Hill's garden, find guns.
- 4 August 2023: Police stop a van in Measham, seize 'assassination kits,' leading to arrests including Ronald Knowles.
- 5 Last month: Gary Hardy, Jason Hill, and two other men (including Stephen Houston) convicted of firearms offences at Nottingham Crown Court.
- 6 Current: Details of the operation released after conclusion of Hardy's trial; Knowles, Hardy, Houston, and Hill awaiting sentencing.
- Dismantling of a significant firearms manufacturing operation.
- Arrest and conviction of Ronald Knowles, Gary Hardy, Jason Hill, and Stephen Houston for serious firearms offences.
- Prevention of potentially 80 more 'assassination kits' from being converted and distributed.
- Increased safety for the public by removing lethal weapons from circulation.
- Exposure of a dangerous criminal network.
What: A makeshift factory producing 'lethal assassination kits' (converted replica pistols, silencers, live ammunition) was uncovered, and the individuals involved in manufacturing and supplying these weapons to organised crime groups were arrested and convicted.
When: August 2023 (van stopped, arrests made); conclusion of Hardy's trial (details released); last month (convictions at Nottingham Crown Court); September 2008 (Hardy's previous 20-year sentence); June 2023 (Owen Fairclough's body found). Article published 2025-06-10.
Where: Alfreton, Derbyshire (Knowles' factory); Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire (Hardy's home); Measham, Leicestershire (van stopped); West Midlands, Essex (crime groups supplied); Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield (Hardy's previous drug dealing areas); Breaston (Fairclough's body found); Risley, Derby Road (Hill's garden); Corley, Warwickshire (Houston's home); Spain (Robert Dawes arrested); Netherlands (Robert Dawes jailed).
Why: To supply lethal weapons to organised crime groups for financial gain.
How: Ronald Knowles converted replica pistols, made silencers, and converted blank-firing bullets into live ammunition in a makeshift factory. Gary Hardy then sold these 'assassination kits.' The operation was uncovered through an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police and EMSOU, which involved stopping a van and searching properties.