Michael Barrymore timeline: Two decades since Stuart Lubbock found dying in entertainer’s pool

Mr Lubbock died after a party at the entertainer’s home in March 2001.

(PA)

Officials investigating the murder of Stuart Lubbock have arrested a 50-year-old man in Cheshire.

Mr Lubbock, 31, died following a party at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore in March 2001.

Here is a timeline of events following the death of Mr Lubbock.

2001

March 31: Mr Lubbock, of Harlow, Essex, is found unconscious in the swimming pool at Mr Barrymore’s home in nearby Roydon, Herts, following a party. He dies in hospital and the entertainer is questioned by police.

October: Mr Barrymore accepts an official caution for drugs offences and allowing his home to be used for smoking cannabis. No further charges are brought.

2002

September: An inquest in Epping, Essex, records an open verdict on Mr Lubbock’s death. Medical experts tell the hearing that he had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting he may have been the victim of a serious sexual assault. Alcohol, cocaine and Ecstasy were also found in his system. ITV also announces that it has “no plans” to commission any further shows from the star.

2003

September: Mr Barrymore abandons a comeback attempt after the first three nights of his one-man show in London receive bad reviews.

December: Amid reports that he has received a £1.4 million tax bill, he leaves the UK to live in New Zealand with his long-term partner Shaun Davis.

2004

May: Mr Barrymore announces that he has filed for voluntary bankruptcy in the UK because of the “unexpected” tax demand.

2006

January: Mr Barrymore returns to screens in the UK as a Celebrity Big Brother housemate.

He remains in the house for three weeks and is runner-up in the final poll, leading to speculation that his showbusiness career will be revived.

After emerging from the house, Mr Barrymore holds a tearful two-hour meeting with Mr Lubbock’s father Terry in a London hotel.

Mr Lubbock reportedly tells the entertainer he does not hold him “responsible” for what happened.

Mr Barrymore is said to have responded: “It haunts me every day.”

February: Mr Lubbock’s family is blocked from launching a private prosecution against the celebrity.

A district judge in Southend, Essex, rules there is insufficient evidence for a hearing on six offences - four related to the misuse of drugs, one alleging drunk and disorderly behaviour and one alleging assault.

April: Police announce that they are reviewing Mr Lubbock’s death as part of “routine” procedure.

December: Essex Police begin a new inquiry into Mr Lubbock’s death.

Detectives said their decision to reinvestigate followed a review of the initial inquiry.

2007

March: Police issue a new appeal for information on the sixth anniversary of Mr Lubbock’s death.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) also launches an inquiry into the original police investigation surrounding Mr Lubbock’s death.

June: Mr Barrymore and two other men are arrested and questioned on suspicion of seriously sexually assaulting and murdering Mr Lubbock.

They are later released without charge.

2009

February: The IPCC publishes the findings of a review of the police investigation into Mr Lubbock’s death, including that officers missed crucial evidence and did not ensure vital forensic tests were completed until six years later.

2010

March: Police launch a fresh appeal for information over the death.

2011

December: Mr Barrymore admits cocaine possession and is fined £780.

2016

December: Mr Barrymore lodges an appeal for £2.5 million damages after suing police who arrested him over Mr Lubbock’s death.

2017

August: A High Court judge rules Mr Barrymore is entitled to “more than nominal” damages against Essex Police over the wrongful arrest which he said destroyed his career.

2018

December: The Court of Appeal says Mr Barrymore “is entitled to nominal damages only”, following an appeal by the police.

2020

February: A Channel 4 documentary about Mr Lubbock’s death prompts Mr Barrymore to issue a fresh denial of any wrongdoing, saying: “I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media.”

2021

March: Terry Lubbock hints at the possibility of fresh evidence emerging, telling PA: “I wouldn’t be surprised if someone cracks soon under all this pressure and decides to get it off their chest once and for all.”

On March 17, Essex Police announces a 50-year-old man has been arrested in Cheshire in connection with Mr Lubbock’s murder and indecent assault.

Article courtesy of PA