Pistorius Gets 5 Years For Culpable Homicide

South African athlete, Oscar Pistorius was on Tuesday sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for culpable homicide over the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013.
Mr. Pistorius also got a 3-year wholly suspended sentence for discharging a firearm.
Judge Thokozile Masipa held that the vulnerability of the defendant as well as his psychiatric state were considered in the sentencing. She also noted that Oscar Pistorius knew there was no way of escape when he fired four shots through the bathroom door.

She however pointed out that the sentencing should neither be too light nor too severe.
While quoting laws on the degree of blame and negligence, the judge pointed out that the consequences of negligence cannot be disregarded.
"I have taken into account the seriousness of the offence and the personal circumstances of the accused. A non-custodial sentence would send wrong message to the community but a long sentence would also not be appropriate as it lacks mercy", Masipa said.