ST ALBANS: A retired builder who passed away peacefully at his home died as a result of exposure to asbestos, an inquest has found.

Geoffrey Culverhouse, 79, of Robert Avenue, died on June 2 this year.

An inquest in Hatfield last Thursday heard that married Mr Culverhouse had “substantial” exposure to asbestos between 1946 and 1971 whilst working as a maintenance engineer.

Medical records showed he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma in February this year and was being cared for by Macmillan nurses. Coroner for Hertfordshire Edward Thomas recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease. No family were present at the inquest.