Farm worker who died was 'dedicated' to his family

The inquest into to the death of a seasonal farmworker in Jersey heard he was dedicated to supporting his family.

George Michael Monte De Ramos Castrudes, 37, died last January after a fire he lit to keep warm at La Valette nursery in Grouville got out of control.

An inquest is trying is establish whether his money struggles and immigration status contributed to his death.

The Filipino farmer had been a seasonal worker over three years and was employed by the Blake family.

Castrudes died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a fire broke out in his home - from what's believed to have been a make-shift fire he had lit in a washing machine drum to keep warm.

Castrudes' family watched the inquest, which was held at Morier House in St Helier, via video link from the Philippines.

His sister, Grace said he was reluctant to use the heating in the portacabin, despite being cold, because he was worried about the cost.

The inquest heard how he regularly sent money to support his family in the Phillippines.

The afternoon of the fire, Castrudes had asked his neighbour for money because he had no food.

Nicole Bowley says she gave him £10 and a green soup.

She told the inquest "One thing that stood out to me was how much it would have taken for him to ask for help."

The inquest also heard the batteries in Castrudes' fire alarm were flat.

It has been determined that he had died from hypoxic brain injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

In a report it found his hypoxia-haemoglobin levels were at 53%. In a statement, Dr James Chandler said any reading above 15% would be deemed life threatening.

Deputy Viscount Advocate Matt Berry plans to address five key points - including whether Castrudes's financial and immigration circumstances contributed to the cause of his death.

The inquest continues and is due to conclude on Friday.

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