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Family of former Kent dockyard worker appeal for information after asbestos-related cancer death

The family of a man who worked at a dockyard and warehouses in Kent are appealing for former colleagues and witnesses who may have worked with him to come forward with any information following his death from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos.

Posted on 14 January 2025

Leslie Scott worked as an apprentice bricklayer at Chatham Dockyard between 1950 and 1955, where he may have been exposed to asbestos due to the large presence of the material in buildings and ships at the site.  

While working at the dockyard, Leslie was involved in a number of projects including building a school. It is thought that this five-year period of his working life is the most likely source of his exposure to asbestos. 

Leslie also went on to work for W.E.Haseldon & Son Ltd as a transport clerk then manager between 1963 and 1993. Part of his role included overseeing newsprint deliveries at warehouses rented from British Uralite, which had previously housed raw asbestos and asbestos products used in manufacturing.  

After retiring in 1993 from his role as a transport manager, Leslie continued living in Rochester, where he had lived his whole life. He enjoyed keeping active and, in particular, playing golf.  

In September 2023, Leslie began to experience increasing shortness of breath and after an x-ray showed fluid in his lungs, further tests confirmed he had mesothelioma. He died in December 2023, aged 89, a short while after his diagnosis.  

His family are now appealing to anyone who worked for Leslie’s employers at a similar time who can provide information about the presence of asbestos and help build a clearer picture of his working conditions.  

Anyone with information can contact Leigh Day solicitor Claire Spearpoint, who represents the family, on 0207 650 1391 or cspearpoint@leighday.co.uk.

Leigh Day solicitor Claire Spearpoint said:  

“We were approached by Leslie shortly after his diagnosis with mesothelioma, but sadly he passed away from the disease before being able to see through his claim. This witness appeal is an attempt to gather more information about Leslie’s working life, which we hope will assist us in continuing with the claim so we can offer some closure and justice for his family.” 

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Claire Spearpoint
Asbestos and mesothelioma Brain injury Industrial disease

Claire Spearpoint

Claire Spearpoint is a senior associate solicitor in the industrial disease team.

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