Michael Barrymore drops police compensation claim over pool death arrest

"That's brilliant news. I'm raising my arms," said Terry Lubbock

Michael Barrymore has dropped his claim for police compensation (Getty)

Entertainer Michael Barrymore has dropped his claim for police compensation over his arrest following the death of a man at his home.

The 67-year-old, who was investigated following the death of Stuart Lubbock 18 years ago, had sued Essex Police and claimed that a wrongful arrest had damaged his career.

But Court of Appeal judges concluded in 2018 that he would be entitled to only “nominal” damages.

On Monday an Essex Police spokeswoman said that Barrymore’s claim had now been discontinued by agreement.

She said the force had not made any payment to the entertainer.

Neither Barrymore, nor a lawyer who represented him, were available for comment.

Earlier this year, Barrymore had opened up in an emotional TV interview with Piers Morgan about the events that led to the death of 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock – who was found in his swimming pool in March 2001.

The former entertainer spoke of his grief at the death of the young man and his struggles to rebuild his own life since.

Barrymore was arrested as part of the investigation into the man’s death, but a High Court judge found there were no reasonable grounds to suspect him.

The entertainer, who dominated the TV during the 80s and 90s, dropped off the public radar as his career failed to regain traction in the aftermath of Lubbock’s death.

In response to the news Barrymore had dropped his claim against the police Lubbock’s father, Terry, 74, said: “That’s brilliant news. I’m raising my arms.

“I am still determined to get justice for Stuart. He was only 31 when he died. I am determined to hang on to the end for him.”

Stuart Lubbock (PA)

Essex Police announced the latest development in a statement, which referred to Barrymore by his real name, Michael Parker.

“Following a ruling made by the Court of Appeal in December 2018, and upon agreement having been reached by the parties, the High Court has ordered (by consent) that Mr Parker discontinues the entirety of his claim and all associated issues against the Chief Constable of Essex Police and that each party will bear its own costs in the proceedings,” said the statement.

“Essex Police has not made and will not make any payment to Michael Parker.

“We welcome the conclusion of this litigation.”

The statement added: “At the heart of this case remains the fact that the family of Stuart Lubbock continue to live with the pain of the unanswered questions surrounding his death on March 31 2001.

“We continue to search for justice for Stuart’s family and would ask anyone who has information about his death to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. It is never too late to do the right thing.”

Additional reporting by PA