$282,000 lawsuit surprises Michael Barrymore

By LOUISA CLEAVE

Embattled entertainer Michael Barrymore had no official warning he was being sued for more than $250,000 by the family of a man who died at his English home three years ago.

Barrymore was granted New Zealand residency this month after moving here to relaunch his career and live with partner Shaun Davis.

His business partner, Chrissie Smith, said yesterday that Barrymore was waiting for more information about the legal writ over the death of Stuart Lubbock, before commenting.

He was touring his My Kind of Kiwis stage show in the South Island.

The dead man's father, Terry Lubbock, told the BBC that he was taking legal action to find out what happened to his son, who was found floating in the pool at Barrymore's home in Essex after a party in March 2001. He said he believed justice had not been done.

Ms Smith said that for legal reasons, it was not possible for Barrymore to comment until he had spoken to his British solicitor overnight.

"We need to understand fully what the situation is and why it's suddenly changed. Michael's offered to meet the family in the past, outside the media glare, if it helped bring closure for Terry Lubbock, to have a conversation with him ... and it's always been denied him.

"At the moment, because of the time difference, we only ourselves just heard about it."

BBC news online yesterday reported the family of Mr Lubbock, 31, were suing Barrymore for £100,000 ($282,645).

The writ accuses Barrymore of failing in his duty of care.

Mr Lubbock said the family had arrived at the £100,000 sum taking into account Stuart's potential earnings.

"That would have been the money that Stuart would have provided for his children out of his wages to help bring them up.

"It is compensation for Stuart's two girls," Mr Lubbock told BBC.

He also said the family had been unable to move on since his son's death.

"I have been unable to draw a line under this. I have got to get justice for Stuart. I owe that to my son."

Barrymore's reputation as one of Britain's biggest television stars was left in tatters by the scandal. An inquest reported an open verdict and no one was charged.

He has said he hoped New Zealand would provide the "foundation for ... a new chapter in my life".