Woman accused of mallet bashing to defend charges

Natalie Ann Reader Van Breugel is accused of hitting Lance John Bain "numerous times" with a mallet. Photo / Thinkstock

A woman accused of killing a man by assaulting him with a mallet will defend the charges, her lawyer says.

Lance John Bain, 43, died more than two weeks after the alleged assault in the west Auckland suburb of Ranui on November 17.

He didn't immediately seek medical help and is understood to have developed blood poisoning as a result of his injuries.

Police allege Natalie Ann Reader Van Breugel, 45, hit him "numerous times'' with a mallet.

She is charged with manslaughter, threatening to kill and causing grievous bodily harm.

She appeared briefly in Waitakere District Court this morning and was remanded on bail until March.

Speaking outside court, Van Breugel's lawyer Christopher Wilkinson-Smith said she would defend the charges.

Police launched their investigation on behalf of the Coroner, who requested they review the assault and "culmination of events'' that led to Mr Bain's death.

It is understood Van Breugel and Mr Bain were in a relationship.