Six-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius will be sentenced on Tuesday for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The High Court in Pretoria, South Africa heard the final arguments of both the defence and prosecution today as Judge Thokozile Masipa prepares to decide on the appropriate sentence.
The 27-year-old was found guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter), but was cleared of murder after claiming that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired four gunshots through a toilet door at his home in the early hours of Valentine's Day last year.
Pistorius's defence team believe that a sentence of three years' house arrest and community service is appropriate, while the prosecution have called for a jail term.
The defence argue that Pistorius's disability will make him vulnerable in prison, while prosecutor Gerrie Nel has suggested to the court that the athlete's team are exaggerating his disability to avoid jail.
Nel concluded his argument by telling the court: "The minimum term that society will be happy with is 10 years imprisonment. This is a serious matter. The negligence borders on intent. Ten years is the minimum."
Pistorius could face a maximum term of 15 years in prison, while a fine or suspended sentence could also be imposed.
Danielle Joynson
