Widow’s pain after husband died eating infected Valentine’s gift box of cheese

West Sussex painter Roger Parkes died in February 2023 after consuming a semi-soft artisan cheese (Picture: Champion News Service)

The widow of an artist who died after eating a listeria-contaminated cheese is suing its award-winning manufacturer.  

Painter Roger Parkes, from West Sussex, died within days after enjoying a Valentine’s Day gift of cheese in February 2023.  

The 69-year-old had been nibbling at a block of Baronet Reblochon made by the Wiltshire-based The Old Cheese Room over several days after being given it by his wife, Carina Parkes, before becoming unwell.  

Now Mrs Parkes has taken the artisan cheese maker to court for over £200,000 after the fatal ordeal, with her lawyers claimi...