LUBBOCK DAD: I HOPE FOR JUSTICE BY XMAS
End in sight in TV star pool death case
THE dying dad of the man found drowned in Michael Barrymore’s pool is hopeful there will be justice for his son by the year’s end.
Terry Lubbock, 76, is yearning for closure after prosecutors confirmed they were giving “early advice” to police in relation to a man, 50, held on suspicion of murder and sexual assault in March.
The body of Stuart Lubbock, 31, was found floating in Mr Barrymore’s pool in Roydon, Essex, in 2001, during a party.
A post-mortem showed he had severe internal injuries which suggested he had been sexually assaulted. Alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were in his bloodstream.
But until now no one has been charged. Speaking from his care home, Trevor, who revealed he had terminal cancer earlier this year, said: “The police are pretty much there with the case.
“They haven’t cracked it just yet. But I hope it will come by Christmas.
“We will see justice done and it will be the best Christmas ever if it comes true.
“If it happens that will really spread some festive cheer.”
Butcher Stuart had been at the former Strike It Lucky star’s luxury home with eight other people on March 31 2001.
Trevor was stunned when the coroner recorded an open verdict on his death.
The bereaved father has campaigned for justice for his son ever since.
He said: “I think the penny’s dropped now. The people who are hiding – and they know who they are – know we are pushing until there’s nothing left to give.
“I may be going down. My legs are gone and I struggle to walk. And my head’s going, which I really don’t want to lose. But I’m not going down without a fight. I will spend my last days pushing. It’s disgraceful that it has dragged on so long. But I am sure it will be over soon.”
Stuart’s death shocked Britain and ended Barrymore’s TV career overnight.
The star, 69, who made millions as one of the UK’s top TV personalities, has always denied playing any part in his suspected murder.
He has been reduced to playing Strike It Lucky with fans on Instagram and was last on TV in Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.
After a Channel 4 documentary on the case last year, Barrymore said: “I had nothing to do with this yet I keep getting bashed and
bullied by the media.”