Roland Kurt Small, 36, of the riverside town of Deviot, is alleged to have punched Ms Campbell, 37, in the left eye, twisted her fingers, and hit her in the stomach at her Mowbray home on August 24.

Ms Campbell announced this morning she would be quitting politics at the next election.

Mr Small was told at his last appearance he would be required to enter a plea when he appeared today.

``Are you in a position to enter a plea today, Mr Small?'' Magistrate Robert Pearce asked him this morning.

``No, I'm not,'' Mr Small responded.

He said his lawyer, Bill Griffiths, had told him he would be represented by an associate, but no one had shown up.

Mr Pearce said the police prosecutor had confirmed Mr Griffiths only received the prosecution documents yesterday.

Taking that into account, the magistrate said it was appropriate he grant one further adjournment to allow the lawyer to consider the documents.

``(However), please inform Mr Griffiths we want this matter to proceed next time,'' he warned Mr Small.

The case was adjourned to December 1.