Oscar Pistorius jailed for five years
11 years ago
21 October 2014 - 12:10 PM

Oscar Pistorius jailed for five years

Share on
Share on Facebook
Facebook
X
Share on E-mail
E-mail


Oscar Pistorius has been jailed for five years for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The paralympian was delivered the verdict today (21.10.14) in court in Pretoria, South Africa, by judge Thokozile Masipa, who said she didn't think a long sentence would be "appropriate" but also thought the South African sportsman needed more than a custodial sentence.
She asked Pistorius to stand before saying: "The following is a sentence that I consider to fair and just."
There was no emotion on the 27-year-old sprinter's face as he was given the five-year sentence for culpable homicide - which has been known to carry a 15-year jail term - and she also sentenced him to three years suspended for firearms offences.
Shortly before Masipa delivered her verdict to Pistorius, she said: "I have weighed all the relevant factors.
"I have also taken into account the seriousness of the offence which led to the death of the deceased, the personal circumstances of the accused, and the needs of society.
"A non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message to the community. A long sentence would also not be appropriate."
Pistorius was later led down towards the cells and managed to hold hands with some of his family members before he was led away.
After giving out her verdict, the judge thanked the counsel on both sides for their help during the trial and the public gallery for their behaviour.
She said: "I want to thank the gallery. It was not an easy matter."
Pistorius' five-year sentence comes after he was found guilty of culpable homicide - akin to manslaughter in British law - in court on September 12, one day after the judge found him not guilty of murder.
The paralympian shot his 29-year-old girlfriend in his home in February last year but has always claimed he acted in self-defence in the mistaken belief she was an intruder. He pleaded not guilty to murder and three separate firearm charges.
The prosecution had previously claimed Pistorius had killed the blonde beauty following a big argument.
In June, Pistorius was declared fit to stand trial after his case was put on hold from May while he underwent a medical evaluation, in which four appointed psychiatrists had to decide whether he was "capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his act" or "criminally responsible" for his behaviour at the time of the shooting.
He rose to fame in South Africa after winning a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games in the 200 metres. He also went on to add five other gold medals to his collection in the 2008 Games in Beijing and at London 2012.

Share on
Share on Facebook
Facebook
X
Share on E-mail
E-mail

You might like these

Oscar Pistorius: six years sentence for murder

6 July 2016 - 4:36 PM

Oscar Pistorius: six years sentence for murder

Oscar Pistorius released from prison

20 October 2015 - 12:30 AM

Oscar Pistorius released from prison

Oscar Pistorius could get house arrest

8 June 2015 - 4:00 PM

Oscar Pistorius could get house arrest

Katie Price received messages from Oscar Pistorius

29 October 2014 - 10:10 AM

Katie Price received messages from Oscar Pistorius

Josie Gibson Proudly Shows Off Surgery Scars After Procedures
12 June 2026

Josie Gibson Proudly Shows Off Surgery Scars After Procedures

Josie Gibson Proudly Shows Off Surgery Scars After Procedures
Beverley Callard Shares Health Update After Doctors Discovery
12 June 2026

Beverley Callard Shares Health Update After Doctors Discovery

Beverley Callard Shares Health Update After Doctors Discovery
Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre in Grand Prix Entourage
9 June 2026

Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre in Grand Prix Entourage

Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre in Grand Prix Entourage
Katie Price Returns to UK After Confronting Husband In Prison
9 June 2026

Katie Price Returns to UK After Confronting Husband In Prison

Katie Price Returns to UK After Confronting Husband In Prison
Gogglebox Viewers Emotional After Tribute to Late Ken Harwood
16 May 2026

Gogglebox Viewers Emotional After Tribute to Late Ken Harwood

Gogglebox Viewers Emotional After Tribute to Late Ken Harwood
Jesy Nelson Marks Twins' First Birthday with Heartfelt Tribute
16 May 2026

Jesy Nelson Marks Twins' First Birthday with Heartfelt Tribute

Jesy Nelson Marks Twins' First Birthday with Heartfelt Tribute
Lauryn Goodman Controversial Skit Amid Annie Kilner’s Pregnancy
14 May 2026

Lauryn Goodman Controversial Skit Amid Annie Kilner’s Pregnancy

Lauryn Goodman Controversial Skit Amid Annie Kilner’s Pregnancy
David Beckham Celebrates Birthday with Family
3 May 2026

David Beckham Celebrates Birthday with Family

David Beckham Celebrates Birthday with Family
Ashley Roberts Enjoys Romantic Date Night with George Rollinson
3 May 2026

Ashley Roberts Enjoys Romantic Date Night with George Rollinson

Ashley Roberts Enjoys Romantic Date Night with George Rollinson
Rosanna Tennant Welcomes Second Child
3 May 2026

Rosanna Tennant Welcomes Second Child

Rosanna Tennant Welcomes Second Child
Emily Atack Discusses Dramatic Transformation for Upcoming Role in "Rivals"
1 May 2026

Emily Atack Discusses Dramatic Transformation for Upcoming Role in "Rivals"

Emily Atack Discusses Dramatic Transformation for Upcoming Role in "Rivals"
Scarlett Moffatt Shares Candid Look at Challenging First Trimester
1 May 2026

Scarlett Moffatt Shares Candid Look at Challenging First Trimester

Scarlett Moffatt Shares Candid Look at Challenging First Trimester
Statistic Statistic