A “hero” plasterer died after being exposed to asbestos while removing Artex, a court has heard.  

Kevin Vincent, of Garlondes in East Harling, near Thetford, died at his home on August 18. 

The 72-year-old was retired and had been struggled with shortness of breath for two years prior to his death. 

A statement from his son, read out at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, said: “The restrictions caused by his asbestosis were very hard for him to cope with.”  

Evidence provided by HMRC showed that he had worked at several different companies as a plasterer. 

An inquest was held into the death of Kevin Vincent An inquest was held into the death of Kevin Vincent (Image: EDP) READ MORE: 'Sweet-natured' carer found drowned following tragic foraging mix-up

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Area coroner Yvonne Blake said: “One letter gives brief details about working as a plasterer where he used to take Artex off ceilings – Artex contains asbestos.  

“Sometimes he wore a mask and sometimes he didn’t. 

“I've got no details as to the period of time or exactly when it was.”  

The medical cause of death was given as ischemic heart disease due to severe coronary artery atheroma with asbestosis. 

Ms Blake concluded that he died from “natural causes contributed by asbestosis”. 

In a tribute from Mr Vincent’s family, they described him as “our hero”.