A young child thought a woman who was meant to supervise her was dead when she passed out drunk, Queenstown District Court was told yesterday.

Christine Hariot Wake, 36, sales assistant, was convicted and discharged for leaving a child under 14 without making reasonable provision for the supervision and care of the child under unreasonable conditions, on September 28.

She appeared before Judge Michael Turner, who expressly declined an application for name suppression.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ian Collin said on one occasion the child had walked along a busy road but there was no-one at home and on another occasion the supervisor would not wake up.

"She found the defendant passed out intoxicated, she walked to a hotel and told staff [she] was dead."

The judge said it was a fine-only matter but he would not add to financial stress.

A conviction and discharge was imposed but name suppression was declined.

"I think it's a good thing the public know you are a person who needs to be watched.

"You have responsibility for children in your care."

The judge imposed additional restrictions around the reporting of the case.

- © Fairfax NZ News