Pistorius to only serve 10 months in jail

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Oscar Pistorius

The 27-year-old was handed the punishment by Judge Thokozile Masipa on Tuesday, for the culpable homicide of his then-girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius shot and killed Ms Steenkamp in his Pretoria home in February last year and denied a charge of premeditated murder, claiming he thought she was an intruder.

After being found not guilty of murder, Judge Masipa deemed Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide last month before announcing the sentence at North Gauteng High Court on Tuesday.

Following the decision, a spokesperson for the defence explained how Pistorius' sentence could pan out.

"He's going to serve a sixth of his sentence and then come out on house arrest," she said. "About 10 months [in prison]."

The prosecution, meanwhile, are weighing up whether to appeal Judge Masipa's decision.

"We have always stated first and foremost that we were disappointed with the conviction," a spokesperson said.

"But we do find solace in the fact the accused will serve some time in prison.

"We have always argued that a non-custodial sentence will not be befitting the crime that has been committed.

"We are going to consider whether to appeal the verdict or not.

"It is not a straightforward matter because there is law we have to consider, to ensure that if we do take the matter to appeal, we are able to support the decision. But hopefully we will able to do so.

"We must always remember the facts of the case have not changed - that four shots were fired and a person died as a result."

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