Michael Barrymore compensation claim to go to High Court

Former TV presenter Michael Barrymore was arrested and questioned over the death of Stuart Lubbock at his home in Roydon, Essex

Entertainer Michael Barrymore's arrest in connection with the death of a man at his house was "devastating" to his career, the High Court has heard.

Mr Barrymore, 64, sued Essex Police for damages to his reputation and career after he was detained for questioning about the death of Stuart Lubbock.

Mr Lubbock was found in the pool at Mr Barrymore's former home in 2001.

Mr Barrymore has asked the High Court for compensation. He will find out how much in the New Year.

Mr Barrymore, who in recent years has lived in New Zealand, was not charged with any offence as a result of the arrest, the court heard.

The entertainer, who has taken the legal action under his real surname Parker, did not appear at a preliminary hearing at the High Court where a trial was scheduled for next year.

Stuart Lubbock, a 31-year-old butcher, was found dead at Michael Barrymore's home in 2001

Mr Barrymore's barrister Lorna Skinner told the court Essex Police was arguing he should receive "nominal" damages.

The court heard the "widespread publicity had a devastating effect on his career and hence his earnings".

In a written statement she said: "The claim arises out of the arrest and detention of the claimant... on suspicion of rape and murder on 14 June 2007.

"It has never been established that the deceased, Mr Stuart Lubbock, was either raped or murdered."

Miss Skinner said the judge would have to decide if there were "reasonable grounds" for the entertainer's arrest.

The Barrymore/Lubbock case

• March 2001: Stuart Lubbock died at Michael Barrymore's former home in Roydon, Essex. Post-mortem tests found he had suffered severe internal injuries indicating sexual assault and his bloodstream contained ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol

• October 2001: Following a police inquiry into the death, Michael Barrymore is given a caution for drugs offences and allowing his home to be used for smoking cannabis. No further charges are brought

• February 2006: Mr Lubbock's family are "blocked" from launching a private prosecution against the entertainer after a district judge rules there is insufficient evidence

• June 2007: Mr Barrymore is arrested along with two other men on suspicion of serious sexual assault and murder, but in September the Crown Prosecution Service announces that Mr Barrymore will not face charges

• February 2009: The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) inquiry upholds six of 36 complaints and allegations made by Stuart's father, Terry Lubbock. The IPCC finds two pieces of evidence - a pool thermometer and a door handle - went missing after Stuart's death

• March 2011: Ten years after Mr Lubbock's death, police make a new appeal for information on the case