A British Gas worker who dealt with asbestos for years as part of his work, died of industrial disease, a Southend coroner recorded.

Dennis Quinlan, 72, from High Road, Benfleet, developed medical complications and died in hospital on September 8.

The court heard Mr Quinlan started working in the gas industry in 1950 and had been heavily exposed to asbestos dust during that time. Mr Quinlan left British Gas in 1990 to become a gardener for Essex County Council and then retired in 1995, after which he began to suffer from a shortness of breath.

He had developed a terminal illness as a result of asbestos dust in his lungs.

The court heard how Mr Quinlan had contacted solicitors to start civil proceedings against British Gas, but died before he had time to sign a written statement of his exposure to asbestos while working for them.

In recording his verdict, coroner, Paul Dean, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that Mr Quinlan died of an industrial disease, but I stress this does not imply liability on behalf of British Gas."

Mr Quinlan's family are pursuing a civil claim for damages against British Gas.

Published Friday October 18, 2002