Pool victim's dad to stage demo at Barrymore show

Published on Tuesday 29 July 2008 10:40

THE father of a man found dead in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool is pledging to "open a can of worms" for the entertainer at the opening of his Fringe show.

Terry Lubbock says he has "no axe to grind" with the performer, but wants to raise the profile of his son's death ahead of the publication of an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report into the incident.

Stuart Lubbock, 31, was found dead after a party at Mr Barrymore's Essex home in 2001. The entertainer was arrested on suspicion of serious sexual assault and murder last June, along with two other men who were at the party, but all three were released from police bail without charge.

Mr Lubbock, 62, is campaigning to find out exactly what happened to his son as he is unhappy that an inquest in 2002 recorded an open verdict into his death.

He believes the findings of the IPCC will throw up new evidence and allow him to be granted a second inquest which he hopes will prove his theory that his son was sexually assaulted and murdered.

Mr Lubbock hopes his Edinburgh demonstration will bring his son's death back into the public eye as he continues his quest for answers.

He will arrive in the Capital on Thursday to stage his demonstration outside the Assembly Rooms on George Street at the preview showing of Surviving Spike, about the life of comedian Spike Milligan.

He will be accompanied by his friend Harry Cichy, who has been involved in his campaign to get to the bottom of Stuart's death for several years.

Mr Lubbock, from Harlow in Essex, has not yet decided if they will watch the play, but says they will act like any other member of the audience if they do.

He said: "The object is basically to open a can of worms again for Mr Barrymore. It is going to be a peaceful demonstration, a presence to show our faces and get as much publicity as possible.

"We are not out to get Barrymore in any way – I'm not that kind of guy. We are just trying to find out the truth.

"If there's new evidence or information regarding my son's death then we can apply again for another inquest so there's everything to play for.

"The only way now that I will rest is if I see people in court charged with my son's murder. Then and only then will my job be done for Stuart."

Mr Barrymore's spokeswoman wasn't available for comment last night, but the TV star has previously stated that he respects Mr Lubbock "has to do what he feels he has to do".