Luke Brooks inquest latest after court told house had 'jet black' mould - updates

An inquest into the death of 27-year-old Luke Brooks continues at Rochdale Coroners Court today. Mr Brooks died at his home in Oldham last October 25.

His death has been provisionally linked to a type of mould, but coroner Joanne Kearsley yesterday (Monday) called for 'no speculation' before the conclusion. Expert witnesses will be called to give evidence today, including the pathologist who gave the medical cause of Mr Brooks' death.

During the first day of evidence, Rochdale Coroners Court heard Mr Brooks' home had 'jet black' mould on the bathroom ceiling and in his bedroom. His mother, Patricia Brooks, said her son had suffered cold-like symptoms in the days up to his death.

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The court heard the family made numerous complaints about issues in their home to their landlords, Mark and Alan Sharples, but repairs were not carried out. Mrs Brooks said they lived without a working boiler for three years from 2014 to 2017.

It was claimed the property was so cold 'you could see your breath', while plaster had been coming off from part of Mr Brooks' room. The inquest heard he shared the room with friend Chris Haycock, with the pair spending '90%' of their time in there.

Describing her son, Mrs Brooks told the coroner: "He was funny, witty, intelligent, clever. There’s nothing bad I can say about my Luke."

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

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