Father of man found dead in Michael Barrymore's pool is awarded compensation

The father of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead TV star Michael Barrymore's swimming pool has been awarded almost £7,000 compensation, he revealed today.

Terry Lubbock was given the go-ahead to seek the money after a police investigation confirmed for the first time that his son's death was the result of criminal actions.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority today awarded Mr Lubbock £6,800 after Stuart, 31, died during a party at the comedian's then home in Roydon, Essex, in March 2001.

For years Mr Lubbock had not been able to submit a claim to the CICA because his son's death was not considered to be the result of criminal actions.

But even though three men, including Barrymore, were recently released having been arrested on suspicion of murder, Essex Police and the Crown Prosecution Service both stated they believed Stuart's fatal internal injuries were inflicted on him by others.

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Speaking from his home in Harlow, Essex, Terry Lubbock, 64, said: "I am very happy but also extremely annoyed that it has taken almost seven years for the police and injuries board to come forward and confirm my son suffered criminal injuries.

"I believe this is a turning point in my son's murder investigation and will prove very significant.

"It is confirmed my son received criminal injuries. He was the victim of a serious sexual assault.

"This totally blows Stuart's first inquest out of the water, which stated he accidently drowned in Barrymore's pool and skated over Stuart's severe injuries."

He added: "My priority now is to campaign for a new inquest.

"My son was raped and killed and my job will not be done until I see someone in court charged with his murder.

"I have to keep pushing and this money will go towards this fight for justice."

Mr Lubbock's claim was granted for suffering and financial losses caused by his son's death.

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Stuart, a father of two, was found by the swimming pool at Barrymore's mansion.

It was thought he had drowned but Mr Lubbock is convinced he was killed prior to that during a violent assault.

Following a recent second investigation into his death, Essex Police arrested Barrymore, John Kenney and Justin Merritt on suspicion of murder.

But in September they were told they would not face any charges. Barrymore has always insisted he is innocent.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Wilson, who led that police investigation, said afterwards: "I want to make it very clear that this is not the end of the investigation.

"Stuart Lubbock received very serious injuries the night he died and the evidence arising from our current investigation suggests they occurred from the address in Roydon.

"We are disappointed that our latest inquiries have not brought us the answers the police and Stuart's family were looking for and we remain committed to finding out the truth of what happened that night."

He added: "I am convinced that someone knows what happened that night and I hope that their conscience or their obligation to do the right thing will eventually prevail and they will come forward with information for the police."

A spokesman for the CICA said: " We pay compensation to eligible applicants who have been the victim of a violent crime by assigning each specific injury a fixed amount of compensation.

"There are 25 levels of compensation for injuries. If you qualify also for lost earnings or special expenses, we can pay additional compensation.

"The maximum combined amount payable under the Scheme is £500,000.

"Each year we receive around 60,000 applications for compensation and spend over £200 million in compensation payments."