‘GIVE US £20K AND WE’LL BE GONE’

Brewery bosses tell court travellers promised to leave for payout

THE leader of a 100-strong group of travellers who illegally occupied a brewery told its bosses: “Twenty grand or the place is ours,” a court has heard.

A convoy of more than 25 vehicles – including 17 caravans – entered Thwaites Brewery in Blackburn, Lancs, after one of the gang used a chainsaw to cut a lock on a pedestrian gate and then opened the main gates on May 26.

Thomas Ward, 43, of Leigh, Gtr Manchester, demanded £20,000 from Thwaites to leave within the hour before he settled on a handshake to take payment at noon the following day, provided no damage was caused, jurors at Preston Court were told.

In a statement read to the court, Thwaites chief executive Richard Bailey said when he arrived he saw a large number of travellers and vehicles in the yard.

Work contractor Greg Hartley had discussed with “Big John” – a spokesman for the travellers – his terms for them leaving, said Mr Bailey.

Mr Hartley said: “Big John said, ‘Give me 20 grand and we’ll be gone in the next hour’.”

He said he relayed the message to Mr Bailey and explained to Big John it was not possible to obtain any money immediately.

They finally agreed on a handshake for a noon handover.

But prosecutors say travellers went on a wrecking spree and ransacked the office building that same day after Ward believed his demand would not be met.

Staff and the police finally gained access to ‘UTTER DEVASTATION’: Thwaites brewery the brewery on May 28 and Mr Bailey said he was greeted by a scene of “utter devastation”, with extensive damage estimated at £300,000.

Thomas John Ward, 33, and a 17-year-old boy have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

Thomas Ward also admitted demanding money with menaces.

Patrick Ward, 32, denies the conspiracy charges claiming mistaken identity.

The trial continues.