A former solicitor has been granted permission to bring a private prosecution against Michael Barrymore.

31-year-old Stuart Lubbock died after being found unconscious in Barrymore's swimming pool almost five years ago. Anthony Bennett will bring six charges against the TV star.

District judge John Greaves said that the case was unusual, and that Barrymore would thus be informed of the action against him. The six charges are: being drunk and disorderly, possession of a class B drug, supply of a class B drug, possession of a class A drug, supply of a class A drug and assaulting Stuart Lubbock.

Barrymore is currently appearing on Celebrity Big Brother. Producers were today handed papers relating to the case, which will be passed on to Barrymore.

A court date has not yet been set.