Oscar Pistorius has been handed a five-year prison sentence for shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Last month Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide for the shooting on Valentine's Day 2013, and over the last week, we have been hearing further evidence linked with the sentencing.

Arguments for and again a prison sentence were put before the court last week, and Pistorius returned to court this morning to hear his fate.

The prosecution asked for a minimum of ten years, while the defence wanted home arrest and community service.

Judge Masipa agreed with neither as she handed him a five-year prison term.

She was critical of some of the evidence that was put in front of her last week and was not convinced by arguments that the prison would not be able to cope with Pistorius' physical disability.

Pistorius also received a three year suspended sentence for the reckless handing of a gun. The sentence is suspended for five years.

Judge Masipa summed up all of the evidence put before her before making her judgement, saying: "Sentencing is about achieving the right balance. Sentencing is not a perfect exercise."

There was a calm reaction to the sentence in the court, while Pistorius sat quietly as he reflected what the judge had just told him.

Aislinn Laing from The Telegraph has reported that Pistorius will automatically get a third off his sentence as a first time offender and could be out after serving three years.

Pistorius shot girlfriend Steemkamp in his home last year after mistaking her for an intruder.

The athlete was accused of first-degree murder, but was found guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide last month.

The Pistorious trial is one that has gripped the world for the last seven months as cameras were let into the South African court for the first time.

Pistorius was led from the court and taken to a holding cell at the end of proceedings this morning.

The athlete had been granted bail before the trial began and has been living with his uncle during the court proceedings.

However, this may not be the end of the matter as both the defence and the prosecution have the right to appeal today's sentence.


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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