Man alleged to have made 3D-printed firearms also accused of trafficking guns

A father accused of manufacturing 3D-printed firearms, at least one of which was capable of shooting a person, has been hit with a fresh charge alleging he also trafficked guns.

When Andrew Allan Kay was arrested in May 2023, police say the then-38-year-old was found at a home in Turner where they seized numerous items.

These items allegedly included a prohibited pistol, five 3D-printed firearms, 3D-printed firearm parts, a 3D printer and printing materials, ammunition, a suppressor, SD cards and other electronics.

Mr Kay represented himself when he made an application to be released from custody on bail on Thursday (10 August).

The police had an ongoing investigation into the manufacture and sale of 3D-printed firearms in the ACT and NSW, an acting sergeant told the ACT Magistrates Court during the bail application.

He alleged one of the guns made by Mr Kay had been tested and found to be capable of shooting a .22 calibre bullet into a person’s torso.

The acting sergeant said one man alleged to have a firearm made by Mr Kay was already before the courts while another believed to be in possession of one had fled interstate and needed to be tracked down.

In addition, he said police were also looking at a couple of people who were already in custody for other reasons, as well as others still in the community.

The acting sergeant also said police had received a report last week that claimed Mr Kay had sold a 3D printer since he had been taken into custody and it had been given to another group to continue manufacturing guns.

Mr Kay told the court all of the “supposed evidence” was “alleged” and he had no criminal record.

“I’m a good, honest person of good character,” he said. “In my absence my family is struggling greatly.”

He said he wanted to be released back into the community to support and provide for them, including his six-year-old son.

He has had two offers of employment and said he would abide by any condition if he was granted bail, “absolutely anything”.

His bail application was opposed by the prosecutor, partly based on the alleged likelihood of him interfering with evidence.

Special Magistrate Rebecca Christensen was satisfied there was such a risk and refused bail, raising how the police alleged he had recently engaged with a 3D printer while in custody.

“That’s not true,” one of Mr Kay’s supporters said in the courtroom after she refused bail.

He has previously pleaded not guilty to charges that included five counts of the unauthorised manufacture of firearms.

He has now been handed fresh charges of trafficking firearms, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ jail, as well as a sixth count of the unauthorised manufacture of firearms.

His matter was adjourned to 24 August. He said “I love you” to his supporters before he was led away from the courtroom.