Dad and son in caravan site stand-off with police

Blackburn magistrates heard, at one stage, the owner of the site in Longsight Road threatened to damage police vehicles with a fork lift truck.

Michael Rusyn (57), of Gibraltar Street, Blackburn, and Luke Michael Rusyn (26), of Weavers Fold, Mellor, admitted obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty. They were each fined £70 with £105 costs. The offence put Luke Rusyn in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed by the Crown Court for an offence of affray and he was told the Crown Court would be informed.

Miss Catherine Allan (prosecuting) said police went to Acorn Lodge Stables, Clayton-le-Dale, after receiving a report a female had been assaulted. They were prevented from entering the site by wrought iron gates and the owner, Thomas Beard.

“There were about 12 men facing the police who were told it was private property and they could not come in,” said Miss Allan. “The police tried to explain they had to enter the property to check on the welfare of the woman who had allegedly been assaulted, but were met with threats and abuse.”

Mr Andrew Church-Taylor (defending) said Thomas Beard, who it was accepted had been the one who threatened to smash up the police vehicles with a fork lift truck, had been fined for his part in the incident.

He said Rusyn senior had met Beard at a pub in Ribchester and returned with him to the caravan site. When the police arrived and there was a confrontation he had phoned his son and asked him to come and pick him up.

“They were about to leave when the police came back and the incident escalated,” said Mr Church-Taylor. “My clients played a role but only a minor one.”