South African court has sentenced Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius to six years in prison for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.
His latest jail sentence comes after his initial five-year conviction for manslaughter was changed to that of murder during an appeal in December 2015.
The South African athlete was taken straight to his cell after he received his sentence from Judge Thokozile Masipa. His lawyers say they will not appeal the decision.
The 29 years old Pistorius, who shot Steenkamp four times through a locked door in February 2013 admitted to shooting, but claimed he had mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder.
He has already served one year of his previous conviction and is obliged to serve half of his new term before being eligible for parole.
Many commenters have expressed surprise at the sentence, which is much less than the prescribed minimum for murder.
"A long term in prison will not serve justice," Judge Masipa said in her hourlong session. "Public opinion may be loud and persistent, but it can play no role in the decision of this court."
source: usmagazine.com
