Oscar Pistorius JAILED for five years for killing his girlfriend

The 27-year-old athlete was found guilty of culpable homicide last month.

11:44 21 October 2014

Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in jail for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s day last year. The 27-year-old athlete was seen crying as the sentence was handed down. 

 

Judge Thokozile Masipa had ruled that Pistorius did not intend to kill his girlfriend. 

 

"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."

 

The Olympic and Paralympic athlete was also given 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. 

 

Meanwhile, Ms Steenkamp’s family lawyer said: “Justice was served today.” 

 

Sentencing options for culpable homicide cases include a suspended sentence, jail, fine, or a correctional supervision. 

 

The Oscar Pistorius trial has been one of the most sensational in the country’s history and the aftermath of the media circus is expected to further debates about the roles of race, money and disability in its justice system.