Art Malik may face criminal charges Daughter's birthday turns into drug fest

Shyam Bhatia in London

Actor Art Malik could face criminal charges following an inquest into the death of a fireman who drowned in the swimming pool of his London home during a drug-fuelled party.

The Bahawalpur, Pakistan-born actor (real name Athar Al-Haque Malik) starred in the award winning television series Jewel In The Crown as well as a number of Hollywood blockbusters where he has been cast as a typical Middle East terrorist.

Daniel Williams, the boyfriend of Malik's daughter Jessica, had taken a cocktail of Ecstasy and cocaine before dozing off on an air mattress, his inquest heard Tuesday. He is thought to have slipped into the water while asleep and been so intoxicated he was unable to save himself.

He had also consumed beer, wine, vodka, champagne and cocktails during more than 12 hours of partying to celebrate Jessica's 21st birthday.

Malik, 49, was present at his £1m (US$1.5 million) home, but stayed in his bedroom with wife Gina while the party was under way downstairs, the inquest heard.

Recent Features Rishi wants meaty roles Shyamalan: no wink-wink Rajat on the Road Rahul Khanna's      Bollywood/Hollywood Jackie works for a rupee? Surprise National Award! Koena trips on Road Ismail Merchant's world MORE FEATURES...

Police do not regard the death as suspicious, but Scotland Yard say they have not ruled out drugs charges against Malik or the guests at the house in Surbiton, Surrey, where detectives later found half an ounce of cannabis and traces of cocaine on three wraps.

A spokesman for Malik said, "He is on holiday and has no further comment."

Williams' mother Penny was present at Tuesday's hearing at West London Coroners Court as it heard how fellow guests found the 'gentle, compassionate person' at the bottom of the pool's deep end. Frantic efforts failed to revive the 23-year-old newly qualified fireman, who was described as 'very fit'.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, coroner Alison Thompson said, "I'm satisfied on the balance of probability that he was sufficiently intoxicated to be unable to save himself once in the water."

None of the Malik family were at the inquest, with the permission of the coroner, because the Williams family had requested they stay away to reduce media attention.