Who? Anthony Bennett, 58-year-old former solicitor who is currently a self-employed rights adviser.

Why is he in the news? He is trying to bring a private prosecution against Michael Barrymore in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 - but has been unable to deliver legal documents to the former entertainer, who is currently resident in the 'Big Brother' house at a studio in Hertfordshire. Mr Lubbock died after being found unconscious in the swimming pool at Mr Barrymore's home in Roydon, Essex. Mr Bennett, who has brought the case on his own account, but said he has the support of the Lubbock family, laid an information before Epping Magistrates' Court alleging six offences; four relating to the misuse of drugs, one of drunk and disorderly behaviour and a charge of assault on Mr Lubbock. The district judge granted permission for the action to be brought but adjourned proceedings so the entertainer could be notified. 'Big Brother' maker Endemol Productions has refused to allow Corker Binning, who acted for Mr Barrymore during the inquest proceedings and who are now instructed by his long-term partner Shaun Davies, to speak to him while he is in the show. Corker Binning has written to the court asking for the proceedings to be further adjourned until Mr Barrymore comes out of the 'Big Brother' house.


Background: Degrees in geography and social work at Sheffield and Nottingham universities, before completing the common professional examination by correspondence and the legal practice course at the College of Law in London. He trained at Harlow firm Lee Davies, qualifying in 1995 and remained with the firm for two years before setting up his own practice, Bennett's Solicitors, in 1997. In 1999, he left the law and has among other things worked as an adviser to an MEP, a child protection officer and a researcher for Robert Kilroy Silk.


Route to the case: 'Being a Harlow resident and a former lawyer, I have followed this case with interest. When I read Mr Barrymore had returned from New Zealand to take part in "Celebrity Big Brother" I looked at the inquest into Mr Lubbock's death and did a little research. I felt there was evidence given that had not been adequately followed up by the police and CPS.'


Thoughts on the case: 'I appreciate that this case is unusual in lots of respects. I feel it will serve as a reminder that it is still open to members of the public to lay an information about alleged offences before local magistrates' courts, and it is not only the CPS that can prosecute offences. Obviously I don't think people should be encouraged to lay informations on a whim or for vexatious reasons.'


Dealings with the media: 'I am not unfamiliar with dealing with the press, so I didn't find it a problem, except to say there were just too many calls to handle in one day. There has obviously been a lot of media interest because the matter involved Michael Barrymore.'