An open verdict was recorded into the death of a retired loading bay operative.

Victor Mott, 69, of Derwent Avenue, Headington, had been diagnosed with mesothelioma and died on May 15 this year at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital.

Assistant deputy coroner Peter Clark said at the inquest at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court yesterday that he reached an open verdict because there was no evidence to suggest how Mr Mott had contracted mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.