Inquest to look at farmer's financial situation

The deputy viscount presiding over the inquest into the death of a Filipino farmer says he wants to explore the man's financial circumstances.

A pre-inquest hearing took place into the death of George Castrudes, who died after a fire he lit to keep warm in his accommodation in Jersey went out of control.

Mr Castrudes was rescued from the portable home he lived in at La Valette nursery in Grouville but died in hospital four days later on 23 January.

Deputy Viscount Advocate Matt Berry said he wanted the inquest to look at what, if any, contribution Mr Castrudes's financial and immigration circumstances made to the cause of his death. It is due to be held in February 2026

An earlier pre-inquest hearing in January was told Mr Castrudes died from a brain injury caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The sister of George Castrudes told the BBC that he was struggling to pay for food and heating before his death.

On Tuesday, the deputy viscount outlined the issues he proposed to include in the scope of the inquest, due to take place on 24-27 February 2026.

Advocate Berry said he proposed to include five areas in the scope of the inquest:

• The medical cause of George Castrudes's death
• The cause of the fire in Mr Castrudes's accommodation
• The condition of Mr Castrudes's accommodation and the contribution if any this made to the cause of the fire and its spread
• The contribution if any that Mr Castrudes's financial and immigration circumstances made to the cause of his death
• The making of any recommendations by the coroner to prevent future deaths

George Castrudes's sister and partner attended the Tuesday hearing over video link from the Philippines.

The employer of George Castrudes was represented by Advocate Christina Hall.

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