His latest trial date is October 7. The allegation dates back almost three years.

James Rowe, 41, confirmed his name to Derby Crown Court and told the judge his partner had to take a day off work to look after their two young children so he could attend the hearing.

Patrick Nugent was 23 years old when he died following a private party at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Clare in February 1984. Mr Nugent was the banqueting manager at the venue.

The broadcaster made a documentary on the death of the showjumper in 2020.

Caine Lonsdale appeared over a video-link from HMP Nottingham

CLAIM

The body of Patrick Nugent will be exhumed from his family's grave in Co Clare on Tuesday, a few months after a fresh investigation was launched into his death.

THE body of an Irish man who was killed 40 years ago in Co. Clare is due to be exhumed today. Patrick Nugent died in unexplained circumstances at Bunratty Folk Park in 1984. Patrick Nugent died in unexplained circumstances in 1984 His remains will be exhumed this morning, at the family grave in Co Clare, as part of a renewed garda investigation into his death. Mr Nugent, 23, was working as a banquet manager at the venue at an event to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of William and Chrissie Ryan on February 10, 1984. William Ryan was well-known in the area and held a prominent position as ‘Head Chef’ for Aer Rianta in Shannon Airport. Mr Nugent was the banquet manager for the event and had responsibility for the party’s smooth running. The event ended at 3am but an hour later Mr Nugent was found lying on the ground outside the venue with serious injuries. He later died from those injuries. Noone has ever been convicted in connection with his death. In a statement issued through the human rights’ solicitors…

Tomorrow’s exhumation is being taken as part of a fresh investigation into Patrick’s death launched two years ago.

The body of Patrick Nugent, who died in 1984 in unexplained circumstances at Bunratty Folk Park in Co Clare, is to be exhumed tomorrow as part of a renewed garda investigation into his death.

Patrick Nugent, 23, died in the early hours of February 11th, 1984 after he was found lying on the ground in a car park at Bunratty Folk Park

Patrick Nugent’s brothers said the decision to agree to the exhumation ‘wasn’t taken lightly’.

Gardaí are asking for anyone with any information around the circumstances of Patrick’s death to come forward.

There has been intense speculation into how the banqueting manager died on the night he oversaw proceedings at a wedding anniversary party held at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for local chef William Ryan and his wife.