The controversial court case which had judges in a Western Front for over two years is now officially case closed. Elite South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has received his final sentence of six years; after being convicted for manslaughter of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The model died on the morning of Valentine’s Day, 14th February 2013.
Whilst awaiting his final sentencing on Wednesday 6th July, the 29 year old was in a dark suit and cutting a short figure at under 5 foot without his prosthetic legs. Pistorius made headlines earlier on 15th June when he walked on his stumps to show his vulnerability.
Below is a picture of Oscar arriving in court surrounded by South African Police.
Later he is pictured holding the hands of one of his relatives.
Since Wednesday 6th July 2013, Judge Thokozile Masipa handled what has been arguably one of the most publicised manslaughter cases in history. Initially, Masipa did not charge Pistorius guilty of murder and he was put under house arrest for a year. Ironically, this was a lavish affair at his uncle’s home in a wealthy suburb of South Africa’s capital.
A typical manslaughter sentence is a minimum of fifteen years, however Pistorius has only received six years. People have argued that there is an unfair bias to the wealthy white man and international celebrity he is compared to others of his same situation.
It was argued that Oscar’s disability and mental stress were reasons for a nine year reduction behind bars. Masipa received much backlash over her decision to dramatically shed Pistorius’s time behind bars and even had to be given police protection; with threats and personal attacks thrown at her.
After receiving his final sentence, Pistorius’s defence team said Oscar would not appeal. Department of Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela said Pistorius would be put immediately behind bars.
