Travellers in brewery raid

INVASION Caravans on site THE leader of a travellers group who occupied a brewery wanted £20,000 to leave, a court heard.

Thomas Ward, 43, of Leigh, Gtr Manchester, has admitted blackmail, and conspiracy to burgle and commit criminal damage at Thwaites in Blackburn.

John Ward, 34, of Leigh, and a 17-year-old male also admitted conspiracy charges but Patrick Ward, 32, denies those offences.

The trial at Preston crown court continues.