Not guilty plea over rural Tasmania murder

A man accused of murdering a former parliamentary driver at his rural home in northern Tasmania has pleaded not guilty.

The body of Michael Hawkes, 70, who chauffeured some of the state's leading politicians, was discovered at his Reedy Marsh property on January 12.

Robert Gerard, 47, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in Launceston Magistrates Court to one count of murder and another of wounding.

Mr Hawkes' wife is alleged to have been hurt during the incident.

Gerard is expected to appear in Launceston Supreme Court on April 26.