Former customs worker's six figure pay out

Paul Brett, has settled a six figure compensation sum with HM Revenue and Customs who accepted liability and admitted a breach of duty in not providing him with proper protective clothing.
The 66-year-old worked for HM Revenue and Customs for 43 years, retiring in 2006 and until last year thought of himself as a fit and healthy man.
However, while he was on holiday in New Zealand last year he complained of breathlessness and on his return to the UK he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.
As part of his job he had been asked to search ships for illegal contraband.
As well as aircraft, Mr Brett was part of a mobile crew that searched vessels at Sheerness, Rochester and Southampton.
He said that the compensation would now be used for any medical care he may need in his last months.
He said: "My son said that he would rather give up everything to make sure I was still alive.
"I can't do anything strenuous now.
"The money is academic; they could have given me a million pounds."
His solicitor, Brigitte Chandler of Newbury-based Charles Lucas and Marshall, said: "Contraband can be very cleverly concealed so Mr Brett would have had to carry out exhaustive searches. "Often asbestos linings in pipes had to be partly removed and he had to climb on top of boilers covered in asbestos and search behind lagged pipe work.
"When he did this his overalls would be covered in asbestos dust and there were no shower facilities. He took the dust home with him."
She added: "While there have been numerous asbestos claims in dockyards and from merchant seaman, there have not been huge numbers of cases involving the Inland Revenue.
"The number of people dying from asbestos disease is likely to peak in the next few years and obviously people who did similar work are at risk."
In 2001 a regional charity was launched for asbestos sufferers and their families. It provides advice and information about DSS benefits and support groups.
It can be contacted on 01793 532995 or

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