A FORMER ship-building manager from Hampshire died after being exposed to asbestos during his career, an inquest heard.

David Cooper, 67, died at his house in Butts Road, Sholing, in April.

Despite having suffered from various medical problems during the last two years of his life, the pathologist told Southampton Coroner’s Court that the pensioner’s death was unconnected to these and was a direct result of mesothelioma – an aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The post mortem revealed that Mr Cooper had a tumour in the lining of his lung, which had spread to his liver.

Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict of death from industrial disease.