The family of a Black Country man have won a substantial payout after a firm was found responsible for exposing him to deadly asbestos dust.

Derek Billingham, of Cradley Heath, died of mesothelioma, aged 59. Before his death in 2008, he revealed how he came into contact with asbestos while working for Lloyds British Inspection Services Ltd from 1968 to 1970.

The company disputed they were at fault, but Mr Justice Bean, sitting at the High Court in Birmingham, ruled the employer was responsible and agreed it should pay an undisclosed settlement to the family.

Derek’s partner of 19 years, Edna, said: “Before he died, Derek was desperate to see justice for what had happened to him, but sadly he never got the chance.

“We were determined to fight on in his name and not give up until someone was held accountable.

“The court decision feels like a huge weight has been lifted and we can finally remember Derek for the wonderful person he was.”

Derek had told lawyers at Irwin Mitchell that he remembered being exposed to substantial dust while working at Cottam Power Station in Nottinghamshire on behalf of Lloyds.

Hayley Hill, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “We hope this case highlights to other firms that just because mesothelioma is caused by exposure to the dust in the past, it does not make them exempt from the law now.

Lloyds British Inspection Services Ltd is a non-subsidiary part of the Lloyds British group. A company spokesman declined to comment.