COPS GOT IT RIGHT

FORMER TV presenter Michael Barrymore will receive only a “nominal” payout after losing a legal challenge over his wrongful arrest.

The Strike It Lucky host, who was arrested on suspicion of the rape and murder of Stuart Lubbock, claimed £2.4million damages from Essex Police.

Stuart’s body was found in the outdoor swimming pool at the entertainer’s Essex home after a drug-fuelled party in 2001.

Mr Barrymore was arrested six years later. The 66-year-old was released without charge but has claimed the arrest destroyed his showbiz career.

Last year, the High Court ruled he was entitled to “more than nominal damages” for any lost earnings caused by the case.

But the Court of Appeal yesterday sided with the force, which had argued he should receive a nominal payment of just £1. No decision has yet been

made on the final amount to be awarded. Lord Faulks QC, for the Chief Constable, told the three appeal judges that “we should not lose sight of the fact that a young man died”.

He added: “His family, as well as their distress at this young man’s death, have never obtained a true explanation for it.”

Essex Police admitted the arrest was unlawful as the arresting officer did not have reasonable grounds to suspect he was guilty of any offence.

But their lawyers argued that the award of substantial damages to Mr Barrymore would have wide-reaching implications for authorities facing similar claims, especially from wealthy or famous people.

Hugh Tomlinson QC, acting for Mr Barrymore, said the case wrecked the star’s career which he was still battling to rebuild.

He said: “There is no doubt that something terrible happened to this young man. No-one has ever been able to find out.”

In 2002, an open verdict was recorded at the inquest into 31-year-old Mr Lubbock’s death. ARRESTED: The entertainer