Police reopen probe into Barrymore pool death

A fresh probe into the death of Stuart Lubbock whose body was found in a swimming pool at comedian Michael Barrymore’s home five years ago is under way.

Both Mr Barrymore and Mr Lubbock’s father, Terry, welcomed the probe, which was announced by Essex Police yesterday.

Mr Lubbock was found dead at Barrymore’s home near Harlow, Essex, in March 2001.

A lengthy investigation was carried out but no-one was charged in relation to his death.

Terry Lubbock, who has mounted a constant campaign for a reinvestigation, said yesterday: “I have waited nearly six years to find out what happened to my son. Now I believe the police have made a breakthrough.”

Mr Barrymore, who is appearing in Scrooge at His Majesty’s Theatre, in Aberdeen, said last night: “I am delighted and thrilled and I will give my full support and hope the case can come to some conclusion for everyone’s sake.”

He added that he was “willing to give every single assistance I can to bring closure to this matter”.

The TV personality accepted an official caution for drugs offences following the original inquiry.

In April, police began a routine review of the case. Nothing was heard publicly of that review until yesterday.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “We are going to reinvestigate the death of Stuart Lubbock.”

A coroner recorded an open verdict following an inquest in September 2002.

Mr Lubbock, from Harlow, had been among a number of people at a party at Mr Barrymore’s home.

Post-mortem tests showed that he had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested sexual assault.

Alcohol plus ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream.

In February this year, Terry Lubbock, also from Harlow, failed to launch a private prosecution against Mr Barrymore.

He wanted the entertainer to answer allegations of drug misuse, disorderly behaviour and assault.

But a district judge blocked the move – following the private hearing at a magistrates court in Southend, Essex – saying there was insufficient evidence.

Last month Mr Lubbock said he had made a series of complaints to detectives about a pathologist involved in the case, Dr Michael Heath.

Dr Heath stopped working for the Home Office earlier this year after being criticised at a disciplinary hearing.

Scrooge, the musical, in which Mr Barrymore plays the lead role, is the latest chapter in his rehabilitation on to the public stage.

He left the UK for a period of self-imposed exile in New Zealand in 2003 following the death of Mr Lubbock.

He returned to take part in Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, and finished as runner-up to fake celebrity Chantelle Houghton.

After he emerged from the house, Mr Barrymore held a tearful two-hour meeting with Terry Lubbock in a London hotel.

Mr Lubbock reportedly told the entertainer he does not hold him responsible for what happened.