Woman sentenced to home detention over Taita death

Police at the scene in Taita, Lower Hutt where Adam Watkins' body was found in February. Photo / Sam James

A woman has been sentenced to home detention and community work in relation to the death of a Lower Hutt man earlier this year.

At the High Court in Wellington today, Kelly Kirk, 39, was visibly upset as Justice David Collins sentenced her to eight months home detention, and 160 hours of community work.

Kirk earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Kirks' charge relates to the death of Adam Watkins, 39, who died from multiple gunshot wounds at at his home in Taita, in Wellington, in February.

Kirks' daughter, Darryll Kirk, 19, was charged with Mr Watkins murder. She has pleaded not guilty.

Two others have also been charged in relation to Mr Watkins death.

Kyle Barnden, 29, who is understood to be Darryll Kirks' boyfriend, has been charged with suppressing evidence, while Vaughan Anderson, 40, has been charged as an accessory after the fact.

As Darryll Kirk faces trial next year, details of today's sentencing were suppressed by Justice Collins.