PRETORIA, South Africa—The athlete
will spend between 10 and 20 months of his five-year sentence behind bars,
according to lawyers involved in the case.
 |
| Oscar Pistorius |
Oscar Pistorius has been jailed for five years for killing his
girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day last year.
His defence team said he would spend a sixth of the term in prison - 10
months - before being placed under house arrest for the remainder of his
sentence.
But Nathi Mncube, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority,
said he was likely to serve one third of the sentence behind bars, before
adding "it's not for the NPA to decide".
The 27-year-old, who was found guilty of culpable homicide last month,
appeared to wipe his eyes as the sentence was handed down.
Judge Thokozile Masipa had ruled the Olympic and Paralympic athlete did
not intend to kill his girlfriend when he fired through the bathroom door at
his home in Pretoria.
"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," she said.
"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 said Pistorius' skill using a gun was an aggravating factor but that
she also recognised his remorse.
She said he "fired not one shot but four shots into the door"
of a small cubicle "with no room for escape".
He was also handed a suspended three-year prison sentence for the
discharging of a firearm, over an incident in which a gun accidentally went off
in a restaurant.
Reeva Steenkamp, 29, was born in
Cape Town and grew up in Port Elizabeth. She went to a convent school and
studied law. She was a keen horse rider until she broke her back
Pistorius is expected to spend his jail time in the hospital wing of
Pretoria's prison.
Ms Steenkamp's father, Barry Steenkamp, said he was
"satisfied" with the sentence.
Her mother, June Steenkamp, said the sentence brought a sort of closure,
but that full closure was not possible "unless you can magic her
back".
Sentencing options available to the judge in the culpable homicide case
included jail, a suspended sentence, a correctional supervision or fine.
It brings to a close a seven-month trial, which attracted worldwide
attention.
One of the most sensational trials in the country's history, the
sentence is expected to fuel further controversy about race and money in its
justice system.
Video: Judge Criticises Probation Officer
Pistorius' legal team argued during the marathon trial that he mistook
Ms Steenkamp for an intruder and believed they were both in danger.
His lawyer Barry Roux said the athlete had "lost everything"
after the 29-year-old model's death, and argued he should not go to prison.
He also said the Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby,
would face particular difficulties in jail.
Pistorius was born in
Johannesburg on November 22, 1986. A congenital condition meant he had no bones
in his lower legs.
But state prosecutor Gerrie Nel had argued that only 10 years'
imprisonment would satisfy the South African public.
He said that any lesser sentence could result in a widespread loss of
faith in the justice system.
Known as 'Blade Runner' because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics,
Pistorius achieved global recognition at the London 2012 Olympics when he
reached the semi-finals of the 400m against able-bodied athletes.
SOURCE : Sky
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