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Detectives investigating the indecent assault and murder of a man at the home of artist Michael Barrymore 20 years ago have arrested a 50-year-old man in Cheshire.
Stuart Lubbock, 31, was discovered in the television host’s pool on March 31, 2001 after a party at his then home in Roydon, Essex.
Despite attempts to save him, Mr. Lubbock later died in hospital.
Michael Barrymore was investigated for the death of Stuart Lubbock and was never charged with any crime.
Essex police said Wednesday morning that the detained man, who has not been identified, was taken into custody for questioning.
The force said he was arrested “in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock.”
Lubbock’s father, Terry, 76, said: “There is so much going on in my head. I can’t understand it. Of course I’m happy. Of course this is good news. But it’s been 20 years. This almost killed me. “.
Harry Clichy, a friend of the Lubbock family, added: “I am pleased. Of course this is progress. We can only hope it leads to justice for Stuart after all these years.”
Barrymore, now 68, was arrested for the death in 2007 and was never charged.
He then sued Essex Police, claiming that an unfair arrest cost him around £ 2.5 million in lost earnings, but the Court of Appeal judges determined that he should receive nominal damages.
Terry Lubbock has described the latest development in the Essex Police investigation as ‘good news’
His ex-partner Jonathan Kenny and his party partner Justin Merritt were also arrested in 2007 on suspicion of sexual assault and murder, and were later released without charge.
In 2009, the police watchdog released the results of a review of the investigation into Mr. Lubbock’s death, concluding that officers missed crucial evidence and did not ensure vital forensic tests were completed until six years later.
Butcher Mr. Lubbock was at the meeting with eight other people.
A post-mortem examination showed that he had suffered serious internal injuries suggesting that he had been sexually assaulted.
Alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream.
Barrymore was criticized for leaving home shortly after Lubbock was found floating in his outdoor pool.
The animator also said he couldn’t jump in and try to save Lubbock because he couldn’t swim, a claim disputed by others who knew the star.
The old Barrymore house in Roydon, Essex, in 2001, where Stuart Lubbock died. Image: Eastnews / Shutterstock
He was also criticized for not answering questions in the 2002 Lubbock investigation.
The coroner recorded an open verdict.
Barrymore, who became a household name for shows like Strike It Lucky, has always denied involvement in the death.
His television career collapsed in the wake of the allegations, although he did enjoy a brief return to the limelight during a season on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.
He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, last year saying: “I have had nothing to do with this at all and yet I am criticized and intimidated by the media.”
