Barrymore ‘paid witnesses not to testify in pool death’

MICHAEL BARRYMORE paid off two witnesses to stop them giving evidence against him after the death of a man found in his swimming pool, a court heard.

The 65-year-old entertainer is suing Essex Police for £2.5million over his arrest on suspicion of the rape and murder of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead at his mansion in 2001.

But the force, which has accepted his arrest was unlawful on a technicality, claims that the former Strike It Lucky host should only receive nominal damages of £1. Police had “reasonable grounds” to arrest Mr Barrymore in connection with Mr Lubbock’s death, the High Court was told yesterday.

As well as Mr Barrymore allegedly paying two witnesses, the court also heard he had been seen on the day of the death rummaging through items at the property before leaving with an unidentified object under his arm.

Mr Barrymore, Jonathan Kenney and Justin Merritt were all present when Mr Lubbock died at the television presenter’s home in Roydon, Essex, and were later held on suspicion of rape and murder in 2007. Post-mortem tests found Mr Lubbock had severe internal injuries and had ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol in his bloodstream.

Caroline Beasley-murray, the coroner for Essex and Thurrock, recorded an open verdict into the death of the 31-year-old butcher at an inquest in 2002. Mr Barrymore was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and murder in 2007 along with the two other men, but none was charged.

Essex Police has accepted the arrest was unlawful on a technicality as they sent an officer not involved in the inquiry. However, the force claims “there were ample grounds” for “reasonable suspicion”. The hearing continues.