Disabled athlete Oscar Pistorius received a six year jail term today – meaning another three years in jail for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
Judge Thokozile Masipa passed the sentence, which was less than half of the recommended minimum 15-year jail term for murder.
The sentencing, at the South African High Court on Wednesday, occurred before Ms Steenkamp’s parents June and Barry Steenkamp, watched from the public gallery. Pistorius, 29, showed little reaction as the judge read her decision and hugged his family afterward.
A long-term of imprisonment will not serve justice in this matter,” she said. “The accused has already served 12 months, he is a first offender and he is not likely to re-offend.” Masipa called Pistorius “a fallen hero” and “a good candidate for rehabilitation.”
She did not accept the defence arguement that the former athlete was depressed and mentally ill to the point where he should have been sent to hospital rather than prison.
Pistorius, who was taken to Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria, the capital, will have to serve at least three years before parole is considered, Marius du Toit, a criminal-defense lawyer at Du Toit Attorneys, said by phone.
Source: Bloomberg
