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Payout in asbestos tragedy
Sep 22 2005
THE widow of a prison carpenter from the Midlands who died of an asbestos-related disease has been awarded a six-figure settlement from the Home Office.
Gladys Price's husband Barry died three years ago from mesothelioma following years of exposure to asbestos dust at HMP Hewell Grange in Redditch, Worcestershire.
The exact amount of compensation has not been disclosed but it was agreed in an out-of-court settlement, Mrs Price's solicitors said.
Mr Price, from Headless Cross, Redditch, worked as a carpenter at the prison between 1973 and 2000 and was 67 when he died.
Much of his work involved cutting and handling asbestos and his widow described him as often being covered in asbestos dust when he returned home.
"He was a lovely man and a wonderful father to his son and daughter and we miss him," she said.
Adam Wilson, from law firm Russell Jones & Walker, said: "This was a particularly sad case where public sector employers simply failed to protect Mr Price with disastrous and fatal consequences.
"Mr Price was a skilled worker who repeatedly handled asbestos not knowing the dangers himself. The payout will help his family recover the income and pension they lost."
