A Swanley member of a gun smuggling ring, who was arrested in the UK's largest ever weapons haul, faces jail after changing his plea.

Richard Rye, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life - after a haul of weapons including 22 automatic assault rifles, nine Skorpion machine pistols, 58 magazines, two silencers and around 1000 live rounds of ammunition, was found stashed in suitcases and holdalls in a van leaving Cuxton Marina.

The Lime Road resident also admitted to illegally importing the guns - at The Old Bailey on Monday (February 8) - after new police evidence came to light.

Six men and a woman were all detained by the National Crime Agency's (NCA) armed operations unit - after raids at the marina and Orpington McDonald's, in Sevenoaks Way.

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Hart Dyke Road, Swanley, resident Harry Shilling, 22; and Franklin Road, Bexleyheath, resident Michael Defraine, 30, were also arrested and charged with drug smuggling.

Rye joins gang member David Payne, 43, who has also pleaded guilty to both charges.

His accomplice, 30-year-old Christopher Owen, has admitted to importing the guns.

Both men are from Rochester, and Owen does not face the conspiracy charge.

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The four other alleged gun smugglers - including Rochester residents Jennifer Arthy, 42, and John Smale, 58 - have all denied the charges against them.

A trial is due to start at the Old Bailey two weeks today - on Wednesday, February 24.