Oscar Pistorius Sentenced to Six Years in Jail for Reeva Steenkamp Murder

Oscar Pistorius handed six-year sentence for murder

Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for murdering his girlfriendReeva Steenkampin 2013.

Oscar Pistorius in court today, sentenced to six years in jail for murder. Marco Longari - Pool/Getty Images Oscar Pistorius Convicted of Murder in Appeals Court Oscar Pistorius Gets Five-Year Jail Sentence Oscar Pistorius Guilty of Culpable Homicide, Not Murder Stars at Court

His latest jail sentence comes after his initial five-year conviction for manslaughter was changed to that of murder during an appeal in December 2015.

The South African athlete was taken straight to his cell after he received his sentence from Judge Thokozile Masipa. His lawyers say they will not appeal the decision.

Pistorius, 29, shot Steenkamp four times through a locked door in February 2013. He admitted to shooting her, but claimed he had mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder.

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Many commenters have expressed surprise at the sentence, which is much less than the prescribed minimum for murder.

Pistorius has already served one year of his previous conviction. He is obliged to serve half of his new term before being eligible for parole.

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"A long term in prison will not serve justice," Judge Masipa said in her hourlong session. "Public opinion may be loud and persistent, but it can play no role in the decision of this court."

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Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/oscar-pistorius-six-years-jail-for-reeva-steenkamp-murder-w212196