Sicarius McGrath, a former illegal firearms dealer in Liverpool, recounts his chilling near-miss with committing mass murder. He describes vivid flashbacks, triggered by the sight of pubs and bars, where he envisioned unleashing a deadly attack – an attack he claims he was actively planning. His conversion to a radical form of Islam while imprisoned in the late 2000s fueled this dangerous trajectory. He reveals that contact with a senior extremist figure nearly culminated in a horrific act of violence, claiming he would have carried out the atrocity had he received sufficient encouragement.
McGrath’s release from prison brought a torrent of Islamaphobic abuse, pushing him to the brink. In a moment of intense rage and desperation, he concealed two handguns beneath his religious gown, intending to shoot anyone who provoked him. Fortunately, he was spared that day. Ironically, it was the pull of Liverpool’s gang warfare that prevented him from carrying out his plan. He became re-involved in gang activities, robbing drug dealers, a turn he describes as inadvertently saving his life.
The interview, conducted for the Express’s podcast “On The Edge,” was notable for its unfiltered honesty. McGrath’s willingness to discuss his past intentions, motivations, and the flawed justifications he used is a testament to the podcast’s commitment to exploring the root causes of violence and societal failures. The podcast aims to go beyond sensationalist headlines, delving into the complex human stories behind Britain’s most pressing issues. Other episodes feature a survivor of a major sex abuse scandal, a family grappling with the unsolved murder of an autistic brother, and shocking accounts of gangster corruption and football hooliganism.
McGrath’s journey into gun violence began with bullying. Feeling vulnerable and defenseless, he sought protection in firearms, transforming from a frightened boy into a hardened criminal. His hatred of drug dealers, rooted in childhood experiences, provided a twisted rationale for his actions. He targeted dealers, often collaborating with Muslim gangs who shared his animosity. However, McGrath admits this was primarily motivated by financial gain, revealing the hypocrisy of his actions – stealing and then selling the very drugs he despised.
His life of crime brought its own dangers. McGrath slept near police stations for protection, highlighting the constant fear that pervaded his existence. He recounts being framed by fellow criminals who cooperated with law enforcement, a common occurrence in the city’s underworld. He faced accusations ranging from murder and shootings to arson, often finding himself arrested on multiple occasions. Despite the escalating violence, there were moments of uneasy peacemaking, where McGrath, due to his expertise in firearms, acted as an arbitrator in gang disputes.
His gun dealing business was driven by a warped sense of self-preservation and control. He preferred arming individuals outside Liverpool and even tampered with weapons to potentially disable them before they were used against him. However, a pivotal moment came when he viewed a documentary about the murder of Rhys Jones, an 11-year-old boy caught in gang crossfire. This event triggered a profound shift in McGrath’s perspective, leading him to acknowledge the devastating consequences of his actions and to ultimately renounce his life of crime. He now dedicates himself to preventing others from falling into the same destructive path.