Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for culpable homicide, following the shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in February 2013.
He has also been given three years in jail, wholly suspended for five years for firearms offences. At the prosecution’s request, he has agreed to hand in any firearms he owns.
The sentencing follows a protracted court case and sentencing hearing, with many speculating that Pistorius would be allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest. His defence team have argued that his disability (he’s a double amputee from the knee down) would make him vulnerable in prison.
However, speaking today, Judge Thokozile Masipa said: ‘The present case is so serious that a suspended sentence would not be appropriate in my view. I am of the view that a non-custodial sentence would send a wrong message to the community.
‘On the other hand, a long sentence would not be appropriate either, as it would lack the element of mercy.’
When asked by reporters if Pistorius would appeal the sentence, his uncle Arnold replied, ‘No’, The Guardian reports. Pistorius will have to serve one sixth of his sentence behind bars before house arrest would be considered, which means he could be out in as little as 10 months.
Speaking outside court, Reeva’s mother June Steenkamp said there would be no closure without Reeva, ‘unless you can magic her back.’
The Steenkamp’s lawyer said they wanted justice to be done – and they are satisfied that it has been.
More news to follow as this story develops.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.