AN inquest into the death of a Hexham man found he died as a result of an industrial illness.

The inquest heard that 83-year-old Brian Teasdale died at Hexham Hospital in September after developing respiratory issues following a fall.

Evidence was given from Mr Teasdale’s GP and the doctor that carried out his post-mortem, as well as an employment history provided by Mr Teasdale’s brother. Mr Teasdale had worked on the Tyneside shipyards in the 1950s and 1960s, where he was regularly exposed to asbestos.

When the shipyards closed, he moved into the demolition and renovation of older buildings, which also brought him into contact with the substance.

Mr Teasdale had an existing diagnosis of asbestosis – long term scarring and inflammation of the lungs due to the inhalation of asbestos fibres – and was given a compensation payout in 2012. He also had other existing heart and lung conditions.

Giving her verdict, assistant coroner for north and south Northumberland Carly Henley said: “Having considered all the evidence, and on the balance of probability, I am satisfied Brian Teasdale died from an industrial illness. I give my sincere condolences to the family.”