Athlete Pistorius Sentenced to Five Years Imprisonment

Athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day last year.

The South African former olympian and paralympian was found guilty of culpable homicide last month, although he did not received his sentence until earlier today.

Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled that the state had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Pistorius had deliberately tried to kill Steenkamp, but she found him guilty of culpable homicide – equivalent to manslaughter. He had fired through the bathroom door of his house, killing his girlfriend.

The defence had argued for a non-custodial sentence, but speaking today, judge Masipa said: “Having regard to the circumstances in the matter, I am of the view that a non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message to the community.

“On the other hand, a long sentence would also not be appropriate either, as it would lack the element of mercy.

“What may appear to be justice to the general public may not be justice. Society cannot always get what they want.”

She also handed Pistorius a three year suspended sentence for firearms offences after he was also found guilty of mishandling a firearm in a public restaurant.