Pistorius 6 Years For Murdering Girlfriend

CBSNews.com/PRETORIA, South Africa — A South African judge sentenced Oscar Pistorius to six years in prison for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in his home on Valentine’s Day 2013.

The double-amputee former Paralympian and Olympian hugged family as he arrived at the Pretoria courtroom and then sat stoically as Judge Thokozile Masipa explained the background to her decision before announcing the sentence.

“I am of the view that a long term of imprisonment will not serve justice in this matter” said Masipa just before handing down the six-year sentence. She noted that Pistorius was a first time offender, and that he is “not likely to re-offend.”

His lawyers had the right to appeal the new sentence, but said they would not.

Barry and June Steenkamp, the slain woman’s parents, sat across the courtroom from Pistorius. They showed little emotion over the verdict, but her father appeared disappointed.

Pistorius faced up to 15 years in jail for his conviction on the charge of murder for shooting Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door.  He maintained throughout the trial he believed she was a late-night home intruder barricaded in his bathroom.