Charity co-founder denies assaulting wife with chainsaw

Co-founder of Hawke's Bay charity Limitless Hope Kevin Swannell has denied assaulting his wife Kiri Swannell with a running chainsaw and threatening to kill her.

The 43-year-old engineer, an established advocate for the region's homeless, appeared via audio visual link in the Napier District Court this morning.

He pleaded not guilty to assault and threatening to kill, electing a judge-alone trial, before Judge Bridget Mackintosh.

Swannell first appeared on December 29 accused of threatening to kill his wife on Boxing Day last year and assaulting her using a running chainsaw as a weapon the following day.

The married couple had spearheaded a homeless charity for almost three years and been vocal at public rallies and throughout the media about those sleeping rough on the streets.

In June 2015 Limitless Hope was pledged a total $66,071.60 after making public their plight to build and emergency shelter for the prevention of homelessness in the region.

It's understood the married couple had taken a step back from charity work at the end of last year while a soup kitchen they established in Clive Square was being run by volunteers.

Kevin Swannell was remanded in custody to next appear in the Napier District Court on March 13 for a case review hearing.

Charges of assault and threatening to kill carry maximum penalties of seven and five years' imprisonment respectively.