I WILL FIGHT ON FOR STUART
EXCLUSIVE: Dying dad’s vow after arrested man released without charge
STUART Lubbock’s dying dad has vowed to fight on after a man suspected of murdering his son was released without charge.
Stuart, 31, was found dead in star Michael Barrymore’s pool in 2001 after a party.
Terry Lubbock, 76, who has cancer, said: “I will continue my fight for justice.”
TERRY Lubbock has terminal cancer and is nearing the end of his life, but he will fight to his last breath to find out who killed his son.
Stuart, 31, was found dead in Michael Barrymore’s pool after a party at the TV star’s home in Roydon, Essex, on March 31, 2001. Stuart had internal injuries consistent with a serious sexual assault.
After learning the 50-year-old suspect would not face any charges, Terry said: “I know somebody at that party inflicted those injuries on my Stuart.”
His close friend Harry Cichy last night said Terry was receiving end-of-life care, but wanted the decision by Essex Police not to press charges to be reviewed.
He said: “I’ve just left Terry and he’s very poorly. But he spoke to his QC and instructed him to start the ball rolling for a review of the decision. He wasn’t angry at all, he was very calm and collected, but adamant that he will keep fighting. It’s been a long, hard battle.
“He’s had so many knocks over the years and he’s receiving end-of-life care, but the strength of this man is just unbelievable.”
In March, Essex Police said a witness had given them “significant new information” about the case.
Detectives arrested the suspect in Cheshire “in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart”. He was released under investigation before now being told he faces no charges. He refused to comment when approached by the Mirror at his home yesterday.
Essex Police said there was “insufficient evidence” for a prosecution. DCI Stephen Jennings said his team had “worked tirelessly” to secure justice for Stuart and his “devoted” dad Terry. He said: “This news is a huge personal disappointment to all of the detectives involved in this case. We have explored all possible lines of enquiry and sometimes, regrettably, the evidence is not yet there to issue charges.
“We have tried our best. We will continue to try our best. It is no secret Stuart’s father Terry is suffering extreme illhealth and his wish is to know justice will be done. If you have information, now is the time to come forward to help us finally deliver justice for Stuart and his father Terry.”
DCI Jennings said he still believed someone at Barrymore’s house that night was responsible for Stuart’s death. A postmortem found meat factory worker Stuart had alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine in his bloodstream.
Eight guests went to the party. Ex-Strike It Lucky host Barrymore, now 69, was arrested in 2007 and questioned in connection with the death.
He was released without charge and denies involvement in Stuart’s death.
Stuart’s ex-wife Sue Homan, 47, said she was “gutted” by yesterday’s news. She said: “Absolutely gutted. But more determined than ever. Someone has answers and needs to come forward.”
Barrymore’s friend Mike Browne said: “It’s very disappointing. Yet again everyone’s hopes have been built up, including those of the whole Lubbock family, only for us to be back at the beginning.
“It’s such a shame the new evidence was not sufficient to charge somebody.”
I know someone at that party inflicted the injuries on my Stuart
TERRY LUBBOCK FATHER OF MURDERED STUART