Dennis Weeden, of George Street in Berkhamsted, cut up asbestos while working for a building firm in the 60s, leading to a 'fairly substantial' exposure, Hatfield Coroner's Court was told.

He was 72 when he died at the Hospice of St Francis on June 3, 2009.

Coroner Edward Thomas told the court: "When he was working for a building company he would come in regular contact with asbestos, usually cutting up asbestolux and corrugated sheets for garage roofs.

"That would have been a major part of his work during that particular time. He would have been regularly exposed to asbestos."

Mr Weeden then went to work for a timber works in the 70s, where again he was exposed to asbestos until its dangers became known.

"That carried on until people began to realise and that stopped," Mr Thomas said.

Mr Weeden had suffered ill health in the past but the coroner decided this was not a factor in his death and it was recorded he died of industrial disease.

"Having basically had a number of medical problems it's clear there was substantial exposure to asbestos for at least 10 years, perhaps more," Mr Thomas said.

"It was quite a lengthy exposure.

"I am satisfied the cause of death was mesothelioma.

"I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that this arose from the fairly substantial occupational exposure over at least a 10-year period."

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