Home detention for Susan Mouat, guilty of husband Bruce's manslaughter six years ago

Bruce Mouat died after falling down stairs and hitting his head on concrete. Photo / Supplied

A woman has been sentenced to 11 months home detention six years after the death of her husband.

Susan Elizabeth Mouat appeared on one manslaughter charge at the High Court in New Plymouth today.

Bruce Mouat died in 2011 after falling down the steps outside the couple's Hawera home, hitting his head on a paver in July 2011.

Mouat initially told police her husband fell unassisted, and in 2012 coroner Tim Scott agreed with police that Bruce Mouat had died of blunt force trauma caused from the fall, and no foul play was involved.

It wasn't until last year police charged Susan Mouat with one count of manslaughter, after she admitted pushing her husband to get him outside.

He had been dropped off intoxicated at the couple's home and needed help getting to the door at 1am after a work function.

Mouat told police once her husband was home he wanted to go out again, but an argument ensued and he was pushed out of the doorway and fell.

He died 11 days later in Wellington Hospital.

Susan Mouat was sentenced to 11 months home detention, with special conditions including attending and completing alcohol and drug treatment programmes, not to possess or use alcohol or drugs, and to complete any programmes not addressed while on detention.