Stuart Lubbock: New inquest for man found dead in Michael Barrymore's pool ruled out

Attorney General decides no new evidence likely to overturn original verdict

Stuart Lubbock had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting he may have been the victim of a serious sexual assault, medical experts said (Essex Police/PA Wire)

A bid for a fresh inquest into the death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool in 2001, has been blocked by the Attorney General.

Jeremy Wright refused to give his authority for an application to be made to the High Court by Mr Lubbock's father, Terry.

Mr Wright decided there was no new evidence likely to overturn the open verdict which was returned at the original inquest in 2002.

An application for a fresh inquest may be made only with the authority of the Attorney General, who provides it only if he is satisfied there is sufficient evidence for there to be a reasonable prospect of the Court ordering a new inquest.

Terry Lubbock, Stuart's father, launched a bid for a new inquest, claiming new evidence was available which might lead to a different result (Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

Announcing his decision, Mr Wright said: "I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Stuart Lubbock for their loss, but, as disappointing as it will be for the family, it would not be right to pass this matter to the High Court when the tests for a new inquest are not met."

Mr Lubbock was found floating face down in the pool at Mr Barrymore's luxury home in Roydon, Essex, on 31 March, 2001. The 31-year-old butcher had been one of a number of people attending a party there.

Medical experts told the 2002 inquest in Epping he had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting he may have been the victim of a serious sexual assault.

Alcohol, cocaine and ecstasy were found in his system.

Mr Barrymore, who was one of the biggest TV stars of the 1980s and 1990s with shows like Strike It Lucky, Barrymore and My Kind Of People, was arrested in 2007 on suspicion of rape and murder.

Essex Police later admitted his detention was unlawful as the arresting officer did not have reasonable grounds to suspect the performer was guilty.

The force was ordered to pay damages to Mr Barrymore, who said the arrest had destroyed his career.

Terry Lubbock launched a bid for a new inquest last year, claiming new evidence was available which might lead to a different result.

However, Mr Wright said he had concluded none of the grounds of challenge set out in the application had a reasonable prospect of success.

Additional reporting by Press Association