Oscar Pistorius sentenced to five years in prison over culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius starts in the men's 400-metre semifinal during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London

September 21, 2014

Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for the death of Reeva Steenkamp, as his seven month trial finally came to a conclusion.

The South African athlete was sentenced at Pretoria’s High Court for the killing of his girlfriend Ms Steenkamp, after being cleared of murder but convicted of culpable homicide.

In her sentencing, Judge Masipa ruled a non-custodial sentence would send the wrong impression to the community, but a long sentence would not be appropriate because it would appear to lack mercy.

These are the main points from today's hearing:

• Athlete won't appeal sentence, his family confirms

• Steenkamp family say punishment “is the right sentence”

• The State prosecuting authority has not yet decided whether to appeal against conviction for culpable homicide

• Pistorius is likely to serve ten months behind bars, according to legal experts

• Paralympian has left Pretoria High Court and is expected to be transferred to Pretoria Central prison, now known as the Kgosi Mampuru II correctional facility.

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Kgosi Mampuru II correctional facility

Judge Masipa also sentenced the athlete to an additional three years in prison, wholly suspended, for the second count of a firearm contravention.