A woman has been sentenced to 170 hours community service over the fatal hit and run of a Christchurch man last July.

In July last year, Timaina Tuilawa struck Steffan Pearce-Loe with her car, while he was walking his dogs on Gayhurst Rd near the Avon River.

The 30-year-old died of his injuries in hospital.

Tuilawa has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months, and fined $500 for emotional harm.

A large number of family members were in court for the 56-year-old's sentencing in the Christchuch District Court today.

She stood silently cried as victim impact statements were read out in court.

A large number family members were in court for the 56-year-old's sentencing today.

His father, brothers and mother all spoke of their anger that Tuilawa had failed to stop and give herself up, and of their disbelief at her excuse that she thought she had hit a dog, not a six foot tall man.