During his lifetime, former aircraft paint sprayer Raymond Patton successfully sued three companies he had worked for after developing chronic occupational illnesses linked to the fumes he was exposed to during his career.

But despite the compensation claims, the damage to his lungs and health was irreversible and he eventually succumbed to emphysema and occupational asthma at his home at Horsham St Faith, north of Norwich, on January 25.

Norfolk Coroner's Court at County Hall in Norwich (Image: Mike Page)

Mr Patton - affectionately known as Ray - was born in Redcar on the North Yorkshire coast on May 26, 1959 and spent years spray painting aircraft, a role which saw him travel around the world for work.

The inquest at Norfolk Coroner's Court heard he painted aircraft belonging to popstar Michael Jackson as well as a jet owned by the Sultan of Dubai.

“He travelled the world and he enjoyed his work,” said assistant coroner, Robin Weyell. “But clearly it had an enormous impact on him.”

The popstar was named in court (Image: Google)

The hearing was told Mr........

© Norwich Evening News