11:00am Saturday 31st July 2010
By Naomi Loomes
A judge died after being exposed to deadly asbestos in the navy.
His Honour John Sessions first sought medical help in 2009 after becoming increasingly short of breath.
An X-ray showed he had fluid on the lungs and a formal diagnosis of Mesothelioma was made.
He died on June 16 this year at his home in Brooklyn Cottage, Angmering, after an operation and chemotherapy treatment had “little effect” on the cancer.
West Sussex Coroner’s Officer Helen Lawrence said: “He was based on HMS Leopard as a supplies officer in the 1960s at a time when many of the fixtures and fittings were being changed and asbestos was known to be present on many of these vessels.”
The inquest in Arundel was read a statement from the 69-year-old’s wife Averil which said he had died peacefully at their home.
Coroner for West Sussex Penelope Schofield recorded the verdict of death from an industrial disease and paid tribute to the judge.
She said: “He was a fabulous judge and well respected in both his professional capacity and in the local community.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.theargus.co.uk/trade_directory/