Menu
10/02/2006
No prosecution for Barrymore
Television personality Michael Barrymore will not face a private prosecution over the death of a man at his home five years ago.
At Southend Magistrates' Court today, a district judge blocked the private prosecution, relating to the death of Stuart Lubbock, ruling that there was insufficient evidence.
Mr Lubbock, 31, was found dead in the swimming pool at the star's former home in Roydon, near Harlow, in March 2001.
An open verdict was recorded at an inquest into Mr Lubbock's death in September 2002. Mr Barrymore was cautioned for drugs offences.
Solicitor Tony Bennett, acting on behalf of Mr Lubbock's family, had attempted to launch a private prosecution against Mr Barrymore while he was a contestant in Channel 4's 'Celebrity Big Brother' show. The prosecution involved alleged drug offences and assault.
Mr Bennett had attempted to serve the papers relating to the prosecution to Mr Barrymore while he was still in the Big Brother house, but Channel 4 executives refused.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Lubbock's father, Terry, said he was "disappointed" but would continue "seeking justice". He said: "The next thing is to get Michael Barrymore to say how the injuries Stuart suffered occurred."
Mr Bennett said: "I'm not sure what other legal avenues are open now unless some of the people that were in Mr Barrymore's house the night Mr Lubbock died come forward and give evidence about what went on. Then the case could be re-opened."
However, a spokeswoman for Essex Police stressed that the case remained open. She said: "We are in regular contact with the Lubbock family and if we receive any new information or evidence, we would pursue that."
A statement issued by Mr Barrymore said that Mr Bennett was "absolutely right" to seek the truth as to how Mr Lubbock received the injuries. He said: "I remain totally committed, as I always have, to continue pursuing the truth about Stuart Lubbock's death on that tragic evening.
"I would very much welcome working alongside Terry Lubbock to uncover the truth.
"Allegations about drugs on that night are a complete irrelevance as to how Stuart Lubbock suffered those injuries."
(KMcA)
At Southend Magistrates' Court today, a district judge blocked the private prosecution, relating to the death of Stuart Lubbock, ruling that there was insufficient evidence.
Mr Lubbock, 31, was found dead in the swimming pool at the star's former home in Roydon, near Harlow, in March 2001.
An open verdict was recorded at an inquest into Mr Lubbock's death in September 2002. Mr Barrymore was cautioned for drugs offences.
Solicitor Tony Bennett, acting on behalf of Mr Lubbock's family, had attempted to launch a private prosecution against Mr Barrymore while he was a contestant in Channel 4's 'Celebrity Big Brother' show. The prosecution involved alleged drug offences and assault.
Mr Bennett had attempted to serve the papers relating to the prosecution to Mr Barrymore while he was still in the Big Brother house, but Channel 4 executives refused.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Lubbock's father, Terry, said he was "disappointed" but would continue "seeking justice". He said: "The next thing is to get Michael Barrymore to say how the injuries Stuart suffered occurred."
Mr Bennett said: "I'm not sure what other legal avenues are open now unless some of the people that were in Mr Barrymore's house the night Mr Lubbock died come forward and give evidence about what went on. Then the case could be re-opened."
However, a spokeswoman for Essex Police stressed that the case remained open. She said: "We are in regular contact with the Lubbock family and if we receive any new information or evidence, we would pursue that."
A statement issued by Mr Barrymore said that Mr Bennett was "absolutely right" to seek the truth as to how Mr Lubbock received the injuries. He said: "I remain totally committed, as I always have, to continue pursuing the truth about Stuart Lubbock's death on that tragic evening.
"I would very much welcome working alongside Terry Lubbock to uncover the truth.
"Allegations about drugs on that night are a complete irrelevance as to how Stuart Lubbock suffered those injuries."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 September 2007
Barrymore Not Facing Charges
Entertainer Michael Barrymore will not face charges over the death of Stuart Lubbock, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Essex CPS said in a statement it had advised the police that no one should be charged over Mr Lubbock's death.
Barrymore Not Facing Charges
Entertainer Michael Barrymore will not face charges over the death of Stuart Lubbock, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Essex CPS said in a statement it had advised the police that no one should be charged over Mr Lubbock's death.
14 June 2007
Barrymore arrested over Stuart Lubbock death
Three people, including Michael Barrymore, have been arrested in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock, the man found dead in a swimming pool at the entertainer's former home. Essex Police confirmed that the men - Barrymore and two men aged 37 and 32 - have been arrested on suspicion of murder and serious sexual assault.
Barrymore arrested over Stuart Lubbock death
Three people, including Michael Barrymore, have been arrested in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock, the man found dead in a swimming pool at the entertainer's former home. Essex Police confirmed that the men - Barrymore and two men aged 37 and 32 - have been arrested on suspicion of murder and serious sexual assault.
18 June 2007
Barrymore released without charge
Entertainer Michael Barrymore has been released without charge following his arrest in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock. Mr Barrymore, 55, was arrested along with two other men - Jonathan Kenny, 37, and 32-year-old Justin Merritt - last Thursday on suspicion of murder and sexual assault.
Barrymore released without charge
Entertainer Michael Barrymore has been released without charge following his arrest in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock. Mr Barrymore, 55, was arrested along with two other men - Jonathan Kenny, 37, and 32-year-old Justin Merritt - last Thursday on suspicion of murder and sexual assault.
15 June 2007
Police granted extra time to question Barrymore
Police investigating the death of Stuart Lubbock have been granted another 12 hours to continue questioning entertainer Michael Barrymore. Barrymore, 55, was arrested along with two other men - aged 37 and 32 - on Thursday on suspicion of murder and sexual assault.
Police granted extra time to question Barrymore
Police investigating the death of Stuart Lubbock have been granted another 12 hours to continue questioning entertainer Michael Barrymore. Barrymore, 55, was arrested along with two other men - aged 37 and 32 - on Thursday on suspicion of murder and sexual assault.
01 March 2007
IPCC to investigation Lubbock death
The Independent Police Complaints Commission will manage an investigation into alleged failures in the police investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock, the man whose body was found in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool.
IPCC to investigation Lubbock death
The Independent Police Complaints Commission will manage an investigation into alleged failures in the police investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock, the man whose body was found in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
