Damp did NOT cause tragic Luke's death says coroner

BUT FAMILY SLAMS CONDITIONS IN HOME AND SAID THEY 'FELT IGNORED'

- STEPHEN TOPPING

DAMP and disrepairs at tragic Luke Brooks's home did NOT cause or contribute to his death from mould-related pneumonia, a coroner has concluded.

An inquest into the 27-year-old's death has been taking place at Rochdale Coroners' Court this week.

Mr Brooks suffered with flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to his death. The court heard he felt 'weak' and was suffering with a cough, vomiting and chest pains.

Mr Brooks told his father James Brooks he was starting to feel better as he came downstairs on the morning of October 25. After returning to his room, he appeared to have a seizure and the ambulance service was called. He died later that day.

The inquest heard his Huxley Street, Oldham, property suffered with issues of disrepair, damp and mould. But a council officer who visited the property days following Mr Brooks' death said she found nothing 'significant!

Following a post-mortem, his medical cause of death was given as acute respiratory distress syndrome, caused by aspergillus pneumonia.