Hearing on the case of Samuel Forrest, who raised over half million dollars for his little son Leo born with Down syndrome, took place in New Zealand.

Appearing in the court on Monday, Forrest maintained his not guilty plea to an assault charge. The trial will continue until this December, stuff.co.nz reports.

Forrest declined to comment on the case, only noting that Leo, whose mother is Armenian Ruzan Badalyan, was "doing well".

Samuel Forrest is charged with assaulting Trina McLachlan, a former co-trustee of the trust, which was set up to benefit his son with the funds raised. Earlier Tina accused him of the funds missing from Leo's trust.

New Zealand citizen Samuel Forrest and Ruzan Badalyan – the parents of little Leo diagnosed with Down syndrome – had reconciled with each other and moved to New Zealand.

Leo was born in Yerevan on January 21. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome. His father made headlines by launching 'Bring Leo Home' campaign on GoFundMe. More than $500,000 has been raised so far.