A 29-year-old Metropolitan Police officer, PC Dermot McCabe, has had his personal gun collection seized after colleagues discovered journal entries that caused concern. The entries, which included references to the notorious East London killer Jack the Ripper and phrases like 'We live and die by the gun' and 'I've become a force to be reckoned with,' prompted fears for his well-being, leading to a forced entry into his London flat.
Following these concerns, which were passed to North Wales Police, PC McCabe's firearms certificate was revoked, and his guns and ammunition were confiscated. He was subsequently placed on desk duties. The details emerged as PC McCabe appealed against the revocation of his license, arguing that the journal entries were taken out of context and lacked any sinister intent.
During proceedings at Mold Crown Court, it was stated that PC McCabe wished to possess up to 2,000 rounds of ammunition, along with rifles and a shotgun, and had referred to having a 'full arsenal of firearms with my armour.' He was also questioned about owning a ballistic helmet, which he described as 'market research.' A journal entry from 2020 was reportedly headed 'McCabe's armour,' and he had also written, 'I will become the best marksman in the country.' The court heard that the journal had not been disclosed to medical professionals.
PC McCabe, who moved from Wales to join the Metropolitan Police, testified that several pages about Jack the Ripper were written after a museum visit and denied they indicated an 'obsession' with the historical figure. He explained that the phrase 'a force to be reckoned with' was a term used in sports and a phrase his private school headmistress had used. The quote 'We live and die by the gun' was attributed to a collection of fictional Western short stories. He characterized himself as having a 'quirky sense of humour,' being a keen sports shooter, and having previously participated in fencing and archery.
PC McCabe stated he had obtained firearms and shotgun certificates in 2022 and was a member of gun clubs in Bangor and Colwyn Bay, expressing a passion for shooting competitions and pride in his skills. He insisted he was a suitable person to own firearms, though he conceded his entries could be 'misunderstood.'
After an adjournment, PC McCabe withdrew his appeal. Judge Nicola Jones, sitting with magistrates, ordered the officer to pay £5,000 in costs. The judge emphasized that no findings were made against PC McCabe, stating that while North Wales Police had revoked his licenses and issues were aired, no legal findings were made for or against him. She noted that the journals, dating back to lockdown, were private and not intended for others to see, and that the firearms, shotgun, and ammunition would be seized. The judge described the officer as 'articulate, intelligent and polite' and remarked, 'There's more to this than meets the eye, not in a sinister way.'