EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Gately's husband hits back at 'groundless' claims he's hoarding star's possessions

The partner of Stephen Gately has hit back at claims he is holding on to the Boyzone star’s treasured possessions.

Last week, his brother Tony also claimed Andrew Cowles was was putting prices on every item of Steo’s five years after the tragic death.

He also said his family was set to hire a private investigator to uncover exactly what happened before he was found dead in Majorca from an undetected heart condition.

Band: Stephen performing with Ronan Keating before his death | VIPIRELAND.COM

But Andrew, 36 – who was with Stephen for seven years before his death – last night insisted the story was “groundless” and “has stirred up a lot of vileness” after “another tough couple of weeks”.

He said: “I’m saddened that after five years I’m still dealing with the estate and unable to grieve privately.

“Needless to say the story was groundless and attempted to be SOLD to another paper a year ago. But has stirred up a lot of vileness.

“It’s particularly difficult because I’m the administrator of the estate and must remain impartial. Some of the insinuations are dreadful.

Band: Stephen with Andrew before his death | VIPIRELAND.COM

“Stephen hated press intrusion (for obvious reasons) and so for his sake I feel obliged to keep a low profile out of respect.”

Dubliner Stephen married Andrew in Las Vegas in 2003 — seven years after being introduced by Elton John.

However it ended in tragedy after the 33-year-old was discovered slumped on a sofa while on holiday, leaving behind almost €2million without a will.