Barrymore coroner: No sex probe

An inquest into the death of a 33-year-old man in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool would not be "an inquiry into people's sexual and social activities", the coroner said this afternoon.

Opening the hearing, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said such matters would only be touched on if absolutely necessary.

Stuart Lubbock was found floating in the pool at Mr Barrymore's Essex mansion at an all-night party 19 months ago. He was wearing only boxer shorts and it was claimed he had suffered sexual injuries. Two other male guests were arrested in connection with his death but later released.

As Mr Lubbock's parents, Doreen and Terry, listened, the coroner told the Epping inquest: "Stuart was the father of two young children. Not only had the family suffered bereavement they have had to undergo considerable stress as the investigation into his death has been carried out under intense media scrutiny. Everyone caught up in these sad events has been profoundly affected one way or another."

She added: "This inquest is not a trial. No one is on trial."

Pc Rick Jones said the divorced factory supervisor had met Mr Barrymore, 49, and his friends at a nightclub and they all went back by taxi to the party. Mr Lubbock was found in the pool the following morning and efforts to revive him failed. At a post-mortem "evidence of alcohol and illicit drugs was found," he said. "Police made extensive inquiries and a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service but they decided there was insufficient evidence to charge any individual."

The inquest continues tomorrow.