An inquest has opened into the death of a former carpenter who died following exposure to asbestos in his youth.

Barry Shepard, 76, of Cowdrey Close, Bishopstoke, died at University Hospital Southampton on May 5, the inquest heard.

The inquest was opened by senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson at Winchester Coroners' Court on Tuesday, January 14.

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Mr Wilkinson said that Mr Shepard had a history of mesothelioma, which is believed to be a result of exposure to asbestos when he worked as a carpenter.

Mr Shepard was admitted to hospital on April 29 with low blood pressure and abdominal pains. He was placed on a palliative care pathway, dying on May 5.

The preliminary cause of death has been given as malignant mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos, with a background of ischemic heart disease.

The full inquest will be heard at Winchester Coroners' Court on October 20.