Girl, 9, given gun, told to shoot man

The actions of a Wairarapa woman who gave her daughter a gun and told her to shoot the woman's partner have been called "incomprehensible."

The woman, 26, who was granted permanent name suppression, was convicted in Masterton District Court today of unlawful possession of a firearm and one charge of ill treatment of a child under 16.

Judge Peter Hobbs said the woman was at home with her young girls when the "spur of the moment" incident happened on February 6.

"You retrieved a firearm and took it outside and told your daughter to come outside also," he said.

The woman had hoped to "scare" her 9-year-old daughter into telling the truth about allegations the girl had made against the woman's partner.

The woman also told the girl she would be given away to another family.

"Your actions on that day are incomprehensible ... not to mention potentially dangerous to all concerned," Judge Hobbs said.

The woman was sentenced to 150 hours community work and 9 months supervision, with conditions to undertake counselling.

The girl is now staying with other family.