A VETERAN from Tadley died because of exposure to asbestos during his career in the Royal Navy, an inquest heard.

Ian Wright Lightbody died on June 15 this year, after suffering from the effects of being exposed to asbestos. 

A care plan had been in place but the former policeman died at his home.

Winchester Coroners' Court heard on Tuesday, September 20 that the 76-year-old's health had deteriorated since his diagnosis on May 24, 2016. 

His wife Margaret Lightbody had been caring for him at home, with the help of palliative care nurses, coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kent told the inquest.

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Ms Rhodes-Kent said: “It is a terrible disease and the sooner it is no longer around the better. I hope we eventually get to the position where it no longer happens any more." 

She said that Hampshire was known for its high number of asbestos cases. 

Ms Rhodes-Kent read to the court a statement from Mrs Lightbody.

In it she said the family had received compensation from the Ministry of Defence.

She also said they were left 'disappointed' with the hospice at home care.

A representative of the palliative care team at St Michael's Hospital and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust spoke on behalf of the team.

They added: "I would like to send my condolences at this time."

Ms Rhodes-Kent gave the cause of death as industrial disease.