Oscar Pistorius Faces Sentencing

Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide for last year’s shooting of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Having cleared the athlete of murdering Steenkamp yesterday, South African judge Thokozile Masipa returned to the court to read out her verdict, which could carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

“Having regard to the totality of this evidence in this matter the unanimous decision of this court is the following; One, one count one, murder read with section 51.1 of the criminal law amendment act 105 of 1997, the accused is found not guilty and is discharged. Instead, he’s found guilty of culpable homicide.”

There is no minimum sentence in South Africa for what in North America would be called manslaughter.

Most legal experts are expecting a sentence of at least 15 years for the track star known around the world as the ‘Bladerunner’.

Pistorius was often very emotional, and broke down several times during questioning during the trial. Some were concerned over his mental wellbeing.

The paralympic track Pistorius shot Steenkamp through the bathroom door of his home last Valentines Day. His trial has been televised live around the world, transfixing millions.

VIDEO by Reuters