IPCC slam Essex Police
- 00:01:42
- ITN
IPCC slam Essex Police
Essex Police have reportedly apologised to the father of a man found dead in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool. Stuart Lubbock, 31, of Harlow, Essex, died in March 2001 after attending a party at Mr Barrymore's former home, in Roydon, Essex. An Independent Police Complaints Commission's (IPCC) report is believed to have identified failings in Essex Police's initial investigation into the butcher's death. Mr Lubbock's father, Terry, said police had visited his Harlow home to personally apologise for mistakes made in the aftermath of the tragedy. "I'm happy in a way. But it's a hollow apology because the perpetrators of my son's murder are still out there," the 64-year-old said. "If the police had done their job properly in the first place I believe people would be in the dock charged with his murder. To that end it's a hollow apology but I will accept it for what it's worth." Mr Lubbock said the officers were not able to reveal the reasons for their apology ahead of the publication of the IPCC report. "They haven't told me why they are apologising," he said. "They are hiding behind a shield and that shield is the fact that the IPCC report hasn't come out yet. "I didn't expect them to go into detail but I did get an apology." The IPCC began an inquiry in March 2007 after receiving complaints from Mr Lubbock senior. He claimed the probe had failed to find how his son died and also accused officers of incompetence. No one has ever been charged in connection with his son's death. Post-mortem tests showed that he had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested sexual assault. Ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol were found in his bloodstream. A coroner recorded an open verdict into Mr Lubbock's death following an inquest in September 2002. In June 2007, Barrymore, 56, who was living in London at the time, and two other men were arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and murder but later released without charge. Afterwards, Barrymore's lawyer, Henri Brandman, said the star had "always protested his innocence".
ITN | February 24, 2009
