Oscar Pistorius found GUILTY of manslaughter of Reeva Steenkamp - and could be jailed for up to 15 years

 

 

Oscar Pistorius has been found GUILTY of manslaughter for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius stood with his hands crossed to hear the verdict but showed no emotion. 

The sentence for culpable homicide would be at the discretion of the Judge, meaning he could get a 15 year jail term or escape jail with a community service order. It is thought the judge will sentence him next month.

South African High Court judge Thokozile Masipa had earlier said the 27-year-old Olympian had been 'negligent' in the early hours of Valentine's Day last year when he fatally shot the law graduate-turned-model.
Pistorius always admitted being responsible for her death at his home in Pretoria, but said he mistook his partner for intruders and fired four bullets from his 9mm pistol through the toilet cubicle.
The judge yesterday dismissed prosecution claims that the double-amputee intentionally killed the 29-year-old, model saying Pistorius could not be convicted of either pre-meditated or second-degree murder.

Ms Steenkamp's father Barry leaned forward in his seat when the manslaughter verdict was read. Her mother, June, showed no reaction.
Members of Pistorius' family embraced the shamed athlete as judge Masipa called for a short adjournment.

Guilty Verdict: The moment the judge in the Pistorius finds him guilty of culpable homicide

But she returned to court this morning to convict him of culpable homicide - the South African equivalent of the UK's manslaughter charge - and one gun charge relating to a restaurant shooting.
Pistorius has also been convicted of firing a gun in a crowded restaurant by a judge in South Africa. The court in South Africa heard it happened at a lunchtime, when more than 200 people were present. Pistorius denied he was the one to pull the trigger.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said: "The accused asked for a firearm while in a restaurant full of patrons. He may not have intentionally pulled the trigger but that does not absolve him."
She added: "I view the state has proved beyond all reasonable doubt" that Pistorius contravened gun laws.

Rising Star: Reeva Steenkamp was a model with a law degree

Pistorius was earlier cleared of another gun charge. The incident related to an allegation that the Olympian fired his weapon through a car sunroof in November 2012.
But the judge said prosecution witness Darren Fresco was "poor", and cleared Pistorius of the charge. Pistorius denied firing the gun.

The judge said: "The state has failed to establish that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt and has to be acquitted."

Pistorius was earlier cleared of another gun charge. The incident related to an allegation that the Olympian fired his weapon through a car sunroof in November 2012.
But the judge said prosecution witness Darren Fresco was "poor", and cleared Pistorius of the charge. Pistorius denied firing the gun.

The judge said: "The state has failed to establish that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt and has to be acquitted."

Happier Times: Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius were the model couple

Before the trial, Pistorius, from Johannesburg, was best known for his athletic achievements. He made history at the London 2012 Olympics when he became the first amputee sprinter to compete in the able-bodied Games, running in the 400m and 4x400m relay.
Born in Cape Town, Ms Steenkamp was described as a 'rising star' of the modelling world and had a law degree.