THREE men and a boy have now been convicted of stealing and causing damage to the cost of over £313,000 at a historic brewery site in Blackburn.

And police have revealed they are looking to bring to justice other members of the gang who stormed their way into Thwaites in Penny Street in May.

Today Patrick Ward, 32, of Aspull Common, Leigh was found guilty of both conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal damage following a trial in his absence at Preston Crown Court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

This follows Thomas Ward, 43 and John Ward, 33, also of Aspull Common, Leigh, along with a 17 year old boy, pleading guilty to the same offences on Monday.

Thomas Ward was also convicted of a further offence of blackmail.

Police said at just after 8pm on Saturday May 26, a large group of travellers on their way to Appleby Fair in Cumbria, gained access to the Thwaites' site and set up an encampment.

Despite requests to move on by Thwaites’ security, the group refused and evicted a guard from the site.

Whilst being asked to leave on the Saturday and the day after, Thomas Ward, referring to himself as “Big John” and “Big Dave”, tried to blackmail two Thwaites employees, demanding £20,000 or “the place is ours.”

Later that day, the travellers occupying the area allowed some Thwaites staff on to the site for around an hour and a half so they could remove personal items, sensitive documents and valuable equipment including computers. At that time, nothing had been damaged but unfortunately the workers were not able to remove everything of value.

At some point after this visit, some of the group – lead by the Wards and a 17-year-old boy – looted office buildings, stealing televisions, computer equipment, high value alcohol and electrical copper wiring from throughout the entire site.

The Travellers remained at the site until they were moved on by police escort on Monday May 28.

Staff then returned to the location to work and discovered large scale theft and damage across all buildings.

Police were able to access CCTV images taken before the power was cut by the looters but despite the offenders’ faces being covered or having their hoods up, they were matched against some other footage taken at a nearby supermarket which lead to the identification of Thomas, Patrick and John Ward, along with a 17-year-old boy.

Raids took place on Tuesday June 26 at Levershulme Park in Bolton where the Wards had set up camp. Key clothing, believed to have been worn during the destruction, was discovered.

During a search of Thomas Ward’s caravan, around £1,700 cash was recovered along with two USB sticks labelled with ‘Daniel Thwaites PLC’.

All four were arrested and subsequently charged for their involvement.

Speaking after court, Superintendent Andrea Barrow said: “We promised we would seek justice for Thwaites, their staff and the public and following a thorough investigation, we are extremely pleased with these convictions.

“When Thwaites’ staff entered their place of work on Monday May 28, they were met with scenes of utter devastation.

"Not only had lots of equipment and alcohol been stolen, the power had been cut, windows had been smashed, office furniture damaged, food had been thrown over floors and a water cooler had been tipped over causing flooding."

Discussing the investigation, she added: “Lots of work went on behind the scenes to ensure we traced the right people, arrested them and gathered enough evidence to secure convictions. The conspiracy charges demonstrate the seriousness of the offences that were committed.

“I would like to thank Thwaites, who we have been in regular contact with throughout the investigation and court process.

“I would also like to remind people the level of destruction and damage caused to the site is not reflective of the behaviour of all travellers. These were criminals who behaved in a completely unacceptable manner and they have been dealt with as such.

“We know other people were involved who haven’t yet appeared before the courts and so our investigation continues to ensure we trace them and bring them to justice also. If you know anything that could help, please get in touch.”

Chief executive officer at Thwaites, Richard Bailey, said: “We were shocked and horrified by this unprovoked and criminal attack on our business back in May, and wish it had never happened.

"We take some comfort from the steps taken by the police to apprehend some of those responsible, and the fact that these men pleaded guilty speaks for itself.

"We have now moved to Thwaites’ new brewery and wish to put the whole matter behind us.”

If you have any information that could assist the on-going investigation, you can email 3776@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or call 01254 353863. If you fail to get an answer, dial 101 and quote crime reference ED1811359.