By Edward Trotter-
The Attorney General has blocked a bid for a new inquest into the death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore in 2001.
Jeremy Wright has refused to approve an application to the High Court made by Mr Lubbock’s father Terry, ruling there was no new evidence likely to change the open verdict returned at the original inquest in 2002.
An application for a fresh inquest can only be made with the authority of the Attorney General, if he or she is satisfied sufficient evidence has come to light to convince the Court to order a new hearing.
Announcing his decision, Mr Wright said: “I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Stuart Lubbock for their loss.
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“But, as disappointing as it will be for the family, it would not be right to pass this matter to the High Court when the tests for a new inquest are not met.”
Mr Lubbock was found floating face down in the pool at Mr Barrymore’s luxury home in Roydon on March 31, 2001, following a party.
Medical experts told the 2002 inquest in Epping the 31-year-old had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting he may have been the victim of a serious sexual assault.
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Alcohol, cocaine and ecstasy were found in his system.
Mr Barrymore, who was one of the biggest TV stars of the 1980s and 1990s, was arrested in 2007 on suspicion of rape and murder.
Essex Police subsequently admitted that his detention was unlawful as the arresting officer did not have reasonable grounds to suspect the performer was guilty.
The police force was ordered by the High Court last year to pay a multi-million pound damages settlement to Mr Barrymore, argued that the arrest destroyed his career.
Terry Lubbock launched a bid for a new inquest last year, claiming new evidence was available which might lead to a different result.
However, Mr Wright concluded no fresh evidence had arisen that was likely to lead to a new result being recorded.
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