Ex-Helmshore councillor fined for attack

Process server Steven Baldwin, of Burnley, had been hired by Rossendale Council last May to serve a court order prohibiting Noel O’Brien from attending council meetings or going into council offices.

But while Mr Baldwin tried to serve the injunction on 57-year-old O’Brien, at his home in Mercer Crescent, Helmshore, he tried to slam the door in his face, Preston Magistrates Court heard.

Mr Baldwin, who had 27 years experience in his trade, said he had knocked on O’Brien’s door and initially a woman had answered.

“She called for O’Brien and he came to the door.

“He came to the door and I tried to explain to him that I was here on behalf of Rossendale Council to serve him with some documents,” said Mr Baldwin.

But the process server said at the mention of Rossendale Council, the door was slammed, and the papers dropped to the floor.

The court heard that Mr Baldwin started to retreat as O’Brien advanced towards him, shouting abuse, and telling him to leave his property.

Mr Baldwin said he offered to explain about the paperwork to O’Brien, who was a Haslingden councillor at the time . He added: “I have no argument with the person I am serving. I am totally independent.”

The court heard that O’Brien threatened to “shove the papers” down Mr Baldwin’s throat.

When the pair had gone around three-quarters of the way down the drive, the court heard, O’Brien tried to hit Mr Baldwin around the head with the court papers, catching him a glancing blow.

Conducting his own defence, O’Brien alleged that Mr Baldwin had been trespassing and had not shown proper identification. Mr Baldwin said he was not required to carry or present ID.

Magistrates convicted O’Brien of common assault and fined him £200 with £150 costs.

He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to Mr Baldwin.

Last week O’Brien was convicted of assaulting a parking attendant by Burnley magistrates and also fined.