The last question a little boy asked his great grandfather - seconds after he shot him with an air rifle - has been revealed.

Stanley Metcalf, six, died on July 26, 2018, when he was shot in the stomach with an air rifle at a family gathering in East Yorkshire in England.

His great-grandfather, Albert Grannon, initially told police the shooting was accidental as he checked his unlicensed weapon.

The last words Stanley asked his 78-year-old great-grandfather were: "Why did you shoot me, Grandad?"

The little boy's mother Jenny Dees told the court Grannon had shown no remorse. Credit: AAP

The little boy's mother Jenny Dees told the court Grannon had shown no remorse since the shooting and never apologised.

"Stanley, my son and best friend, had his life taken away. Every morning and every night I go into Stanley's room and still tell him 'you're my best friend and I love you'," she said, the NZ Herald reported.

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"There's no reply, and kissing his pillow is not quite the same as kissing your son goodnight."

Stanley Metcalf, six, died on July 26, 2018, after being shot in the stomach. Credit: Humberside Police

Grannon, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and the possession of a firearm without a certificate, was sentenced to three years in jail.