Jail avoided over firearms offence

Ronald Charles Peacock, 42, was sentenced to home detention after earlier pleading guilty to charges of assault, unlawfully having a firearm and driving while disqualified.

Loud clapping erupted from supporters in the public gallery in Masterton District Court as Ronald Charles Peacock was sentenced to home detention.

The 42-year-old of Carterton, who had been remanded in custody since he threw a loaded sawn-off firearm out of his car window after assaulting a rival associate's adult daughter, previously pleaded guilty to charges of assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and driving while disqualified.

Lawyer Michael Bott said there was a background of "long extensive provocation and harassment" between his client and the victim's father and argued home detention was an appropriate one as his client was making positive changes.

"There are strong mitigating circumstances ... He is changing his lifestyle. The prospects are encouraging," he said.

Judge Barbara Morris said it was dangerous for Peacock to have thrown a loaded rifle onto the street.

"The gun could have gone off."

She said Peacock had a significant history of violent offending but was tackling his drug addiction and was in a positive supportive relationship.

There were positive steps Peacock was making, she added.

Peacock was sentenced to four months' home detention with six months' special conditions to follow.

"There has been nothing with violence since 2011 ... because of the promise you hold ... the steps you have taken, the support of your wife and your motivation to change, this is not the normal sentence."

As Peacock walked from the dock the public gallery erupted with loud clapping from a large number of his supporters.