THREE men and a boy have been convicted of stealing and causing damage to the cost of more than £313,000 at an historic brewery site.

A large group of travellers carried out the wrecking spree at the Thwaites’ site, in Blackburn, on May 26, after setting up camp.

On Thursday, 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.

Despite requests to move on by Thwaites’ security, the group refused and evicted a guard from the site. Whilst being asked to leave the site, two of the men tried to blackmail Thwaites employees, demanding £20,000 or “the place is ours.”

Members of the group then looted office buildings, stealing televisions, computer equipment, high value alcohol and electrical copper wiring.

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

The four were arrested and charged after raids were carried out at Leverhulme Park, where they had set up camp, on June 26.