A FRIEND of Nick Bonnie has pleaded not guilty to a charge of perverting the course of justice in relation to the death of the former Prince's Trust worker.

Paul Tabb, aged 30, of Stanley View, Dudbridge, Stroud denied the offence during an appearance this afternoon, Thursday, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

It is alleged that he provided false witness statements to police after Mr Bonnie's death.

He faces a three day trial starting on Tuesday, August 26.

Tabb has already pleaded guilty to possession of MDMA and cocaine.

At a hearing earlier this year, three other men - James Churchill, aged 30, of Selsley West, Dean Neale, aged 29, of Moseley Crescent, Stroud and Simon Lloyd-Jones, aged 29, of Foxmoor Lane, Stroud, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice in relation to Mr Bonnie's death.

They were due to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 23 but will now be dealt with after the Tabb trial.

Earlier this year, Churchill pleaded guilty to six counts of supplying a Class A drug while Neale admitted possessing MDMA and cocaine.

Mr Bonnie, 30, who grew up in King’s Stanley, collapsed and died in September last year after an incident at a nightclub in Manchester.

The former Marling School pupil leaves behind parents Pauline and Andy, younger brothers Thomas and Ryan and long-term girlfriend Leah Wilkins.