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South Africa: Oscar Pistorius sentencing hearing begins
Oscar Pistorius listens as judge delivers verdict on Friday, Sept.12, 2014. PHOTO/Alon Skuy/AP
Oscar Pistorius returned to court Monday at the start of his sentencing hearing after he was convicted of culpable homicide in the killing of his girlfriend, with his lawyers appealing for leniency.
The double-amputee track star last month escaped a murder conviction in a verdict that shocked the country and fueled criticism of South Africa’s legal system.
Kicking off what is expected to be a lengthy sentencing process, the defence team is bringing mitigation arguments before Judge Thokozile Masipa in the High Court in Pretoria. The prosecution is expected to follow by arguing for aggravating circumstances.
The process is expected to last up to four days, with Masipa then likely adjourning court and announcing her sentencing decision at a later date.
Pistorius could face as much as 15 years in prison or could dodge a jail term altogether with a non-custodial sentence after being found guilty on the equivalent of a manslaughter charge, but not guilty of premeditated murder.
The court began by hearing defence witnesses testify on why Pistorius should not serve time behind bars. They argued that the country’s prisons are not suited for his disability and that the 2012 London Paralympics silver medallist is a first time offender.
Pistorius defence has expanded on their trial argument regarding his remorsefulness” in killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
