Oscar Pistorius: Not Guilty of Murder.

[Niamh.]

I heard on some news bulletin that Pistorious was paying Reeva's parents a sum of money every month, so maybe don't be too surprised that they are happy with the short sentence, if that is true it beggars belief that they accepted his money :nono:

Really? That's sickening in itself. Money for a life?

I heard on the news he'll probably serve around 10months of that sentence :bored:

[MTVN]

I heard on some news bulletin that Pistorious was paying Reeva's parents a sum of money every month, so maybe don't be too surprised that they are happy with the short sentence, if that is true it beggars belief that they accepted his money :nono:

I thought it was that they had rejected a large lump sum he had offered them because it would have felt like blood money: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29607774

[Niamh.]

I thought it was that they had rejected a large lump sum he had offered them because it would have felt like blood money: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29607774

I hope that's right

[Cherie]

I've only heard it once, it surprised me tbh, I didn't think legally he would be allowed to pay them :suspect:, but I do remember reading that Reeva was supporting them financially before her death

[Cherie]

I hope that's right

If you read down Niamh they were being supported by Pistorious but rejected the lump sum... What is the difference:shrug:

[Niamh.]

If you read down Niamh they were being supported by Pistorious but rejected the lump sum... What is the difference:shrug:

Oh really? There is none what so ever imo I just couldn't even imagine doing that if it were a child of mine he'd shot and killed

[Cherie]

The prosecutor added that Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June, had rejected the offer. "She does not want blood money," he said.

He also highlighted separate monthly payments of 6,000 rand (£340; $540) made by Pistorius to the Steenkamps - who were short of money after their daughter's death.

Mr Nel said these funds - mentioned in Ms Vergeer's report - would be "paid back to the accused in full - every cent."

line
Analysis: Andrew Harding, BBC News, Pretoria
What constitutes "blood money?" That question surfaced in court when it was revealed that Oscar Pistorius has been making monthly payments to Reeva Steenkamp's parents.

The couple's lawyer confirmed that he had approached the Pistoriuses some 18 months ago, asking for support because Barry and June Steenkamp were broke. It seems their daughter had been supporting them prior to her death.

But earlier in court, Prosecutor Gerrie Nel scathingly described a separate lump-sum offer of 375,000 rand, made by the athlete as "blood money".

[MTVN]

Oh yeah you're right, I guess they must have been near to completely broke

[Niamh.]

"borrowing" money from him sounds even worse :/

[lostalex]

5 years for murdering his girlfriend.


If his girlfriend had murdered him she'd be in jail for the rest of her life.

[bots]

I thought he was going to get away with community service, clearly he didn't bribe the appropriate people with enough dosh.

While there have been many reforms in SA, much of the money and power still remains in the same hands, things aren't going to change any time soon.

It always amazed me that Nelson Mandella left millions in his estate, yet he had spent the majority of his life in jail and in poverty. He must have been getting a hell of a salary during his years in power :hehe:

[lime]

It surprised me that he got a custododial sentence ,although he deserves one.judging by the glee on Roux's face and knowing somewhat of SA law I would not be surprised if there was an application before the court in the next 6-10 weeks that an evaluation had been done and that it would be considered more appropiate that he finish his time in his uncles house.....hope not ..but it just feels that way

[user104658]

According to the news last night, he'll probably do less than a year in prison and the rest on "house arrest".

Less than a year for negligent manslaughter... :shrug:. And that's if you even believe his somewhat questionable tale.

[Niamh.]

According to the news last night, he'll probably do less than a year in prison and the rest on "house arrest".

Less than a year for negligent manslaughter... :shrug:. And that's if you even believe his somewhat questionable tale.

Yeah besides the fact that I don't believe a word of his story even if it did go down like he said he should have gotten more, it was neither self defense nor reasonable force he used shooting blindly through a locked door like that

[joeysteele]

A strange verdict in the end, however the Judge did find him not guilty of murder, so she tied her own hands rather.

She concluded the death happened due to his negligence but that he didn't set out to kill anyone.

She was able to alter that a little in her conclusions but to go further as a sentence she could have left the door wide open to a certain appeal against the sentencing.
As it is, she has been consistent in her sentencing as to her conclusions with the fullest advice she has also had.

Personally, I think she would have preferred to have gone down the non custodial route but one of the final witnesses was very unconvincing to her she claimed.
After that she has gone for the compromise it seems to me which was a smaller maximum sentence that means a probable quick release in the minimum time.

[andybigbro]

I'm so angry he only got that.

He murdered someone!!! Someone's life is over! He shot FOUR times.

The judge was a waste of space and so ****! She clearly just wanted in his pants! :mad:

[Vanessa]

It was manslaughter. I don't believe he meant to kill anyone, but he should have got more. He still took a life.

[Niamh.]

It was manslaughter. I don't believe he meant to kill anyone, but he should have got more. He still took a life.

What do you think he thought would happen when he fired 4 shots through a closed tiny cubicle door? :laugh:

[andybigbro]

It was manslaughter. I don't believe he meant to kill anyone, but he should have got more. He still took a life.

I disagree, why shoot a gun through a door if your not intended it to cause damage? He said he thought it was an intruder, the first thing I would do if I thought an intruder was in my house would be CHECK ON MY GIRLFRIEND, that's supposed to be lying next to me. Then phone the police AND then and ONLY then go and check it out! With a Bat like weapon, not a bloody gun!

He's a murdered and I don't care what the judge says and what he was sentenced, he killed a young girl who trusted him and now her family have lost their beautiful daughter.

He needs locked up for longer. :bored: I hate him.

[Vanessa]

What do you think he thought would happen when he fired 4 shots through a closed tiny cubicle door? :laugh:

Maybe he thought it was a burglar?

[Niamh.]

Maybe he thought it was a burglar?

Yes, i was working off the "idea" (one I don't for a second believe) that it was a burglar, even if it were, he shot blindly through a locked door, that's not reasonable force or self defence, is it? It's intention to cause serious harm (without even knowing the threat)

[Vanessa]

Yes, i was working off the "idea" (one I don't for a second believe) that it was a burglar, even if it were, he shot blindly through a locked door, that's not reasonable force or self defence, is it? It's intention to cause serious harm (without even knowing the threat)

I agree, but i don't think he set out to kill his girlfriend on purpose. But he still killed someone and should have got a lot more.

[Northern Monkey]

I can't possibly see how it could have been unintended tbh.Looking from his perspective,The first thing i'd do if i thought i was being robbed would be to make sure i knew where my gf was and to try and keep her safe.If i thought a burgurlar had her in the toilet,I would kick that door down and point the gun at his head until he let her go or shoot him if i got a clear shot.Not just randomly blast four shots through a door without knowing who was on the other side.I mean,How did he not know she was'nt in bed next him?

[Liam-]

I fully believe that if the judge didn't throw all of the evidence out (still no idea wtf that was about) then he would have been sent down for murder.
It's just the judicial system taking it easy on a national hero and it's so wrong that it's actually sickening.

[lostalex]

According to the news last night, he'll probably do less than a year in prison and the rest on "house arrest".


House arrest? he seems to prefer committing his crimes in the house, so who the **** is that protecting?

[Livia]

I don't know all the facts of this case, I don't know what evidence was presented because I didn't sit through the whole thing. Neither did anyone on here, presumably despite some of the wild allegations being made. But he was found guilty of negligent manslaughter and was sentenced accordingly by a respected and experienced judge. If he appeals, the decision could go either way - people forget that - or it could stay as it is. Once the appeal is done it's case closed as far as I'm concerned.

[Niamh.]

They're not that "wild" tbf Livia. We're all entitled to opinions whether they've already been ruled on by a court or not.

[Livia]

They're not that "wild" tbf Livia. We're all entitled to opinions whether they've already been ruled on by a court or not.

Hmmm, they are pretty wild if they're based on not very much. That's not to say people aren't entitled to their opinion.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Released today. Well he did serve a whole year

he will be staying here, in luxury

http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/10FEC/production/_86221696_c36c3b01-7b8b-4985-8eeb-2b1f5b25dbaa.jpg

[Livia]

He's a marked man. He'll serve this sentence now forever.

[Niamh.]

Released today. Well he did serve a whole year

he will be staying here, in luxury

http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/10FEC/production/_86221696_c36c3b01-7b8b-4985-8eeb-2b1f5b25dbaa.jpg

Disgraceful. I feel so bad for Reevas family

[Livia]

Hmmm if she'd been my sister I wouldn't want him locked away...

[Niamh.]

Hmmm if she'd been my sister I wouldn't want him locked away...

I'm sure he'll have lots of security to make sure he's safe in his own home

[Livia]

I'm sure he'll have lots of security to make sure he's safe in his own home

At first probably... but there will always be a time he's not looking over his shoulder.

[Niamh.]

At first probably... but there will always be a time he's not looking over his shoulder.

mmm ugh this case makes me so angry. Can't believe he only served one miserable year

[Livia]

mmm ugh this case makes me so angry. Can't believe he only served one miserable year

He had a great defender. Maybe he was actually telling the truth? In my opinion lawyers should be allowed to use sodium pentothal and a night stick to make sure they're getting the truth. It could change the face of the justice system...

[Niamh.]

He had a great defender. Maybe he was actually telling the truth? In my opinion lawyers should be allowed to use sodium pentothal and a night stick to make sure they're getting the truth. It could change the face of the justice system...

I don't believe he was telling the truth, it was a ridiculous story imo

[joeysteele]

I don't believe he was telling the truth, it was a ridiculous story imo

I don't think from the outside looking in that he was telling the truth in full.

The only thing I will add is that life has already shown me that one saying is totally true.
'That the truth is at times stranger than fiction'.

[Niamh.]

I don't think from the outside looking in that he was telling the truth in full.

The only thing I will add is that life has already shown me that one saying is totally true.
'That the truth is at times stranger than fiction'.

I'm sorry but you don't open fire on a closed bathroom door in your own house without first making sure it's not actually someone who's supposed to be in the house. That's all the information I need tbqh.

[bots]

Everything about this case has been ugly, I'm with Niamh. I don't believe he is innocent for 1 second. I think he is an arrogant sob that thought he could get away with it, and he pretty much has.

[Kate!]

OJ mark 2

[Kizzy]

Her poor family :(

[kirklancaster]

To be honest, I'm surprised by this - I never thought he had a leg to stand on.

[Northern Monkey]

To be honest, I'm surprised by this - I never thought he had a leg to stand on.

I really should'nt laugh but :laugh: :laugh:

[kirklancaster]

I really should'nt laugh but :laugh: :laugh:

:hehe:

[the truth]

I watched the trial....every single sentence he uttered he finished with my lady my lady....sounds trite point but it actually interfered and interrupted with his testimony throughout....the man should be locked away for 15 years minimum. gun murder is s Africa is 20 times worse per head than America. its a massive cultural disaster. the only reason I can think hes been let into a house is because of his disability. I know he can run, but it must be harder getting through menial day to day tasks on metal legs. does anyone know how he lost his legs

[MTVN]

People will have their views but the verdict was decided on by a female judge, in possession of all the evidence, who had a history of being very tough on male on female violence. The prosecution could not have asked for more.

The law is the law and it is not for us as uniformed observers from a different country to cast down our own judgements.

[Cherie]

Convicted of murder on appeal and will now be resentenced

[Liam-]

Good, it was a ridiculous conviction and sentence anyway, he knew exactly what he was doing, he should be doing a few good years now at least.

[smudgie]

Let us hope he will now get a proper sentence, but if looks doubtful, could be 15 years minimum but the journalist said that with his lawyers once again using his disability as a fact he may get attacked in prison then it looks doubtful.

As he managed to murder with intent with his disability I personally see no reason why he should get any leniency shown.:shrug:

[lostalex]

his punishment should be that they cut off his arms too, so he can never pull a trigger again.

[Niamh.]

Let us hope he will now get a proper sentence, but if looks doubtful, could be 15 years minimum but the journalist said that with his lawyers once again using his disability as a fact he may get attacked in prison then it looks doubtful.

As he managed to murder with intent with his disability I personally see no reason why he should get any leniency shown.:shrug:

Absolutely. He took away the life of a beautiful young woman, she'll be getting no second chances.

Was shocked by this verdict but so happy that Reeva is getting some justice at last

[Livia]

his punishment should be that they cut off his arms too, so he can never pull a trigger again.

Alex... I'm liking this new, cruel side of you.

If he does go back to prison for a lengthy sentence I'd advise everyone to put him on their 'death list' for next year.

[Vicky.]

And finally..the courts stop pissing about and appear to be charging him with what he should have been done for in the first place. Its always been murder.

[Gusto Brunt]

his punishment should be that they cut off his arms too, so he can never pull a trigger again.

Saudi Arabia might be interested in that but I don't think the SA authorities will do it.

He should never come out of jail though. He is and always was a MURDERER.

[bots]

I think he still has the possibility to appeal?

If so, he could still get away with it

[Livia]

Saudi Arabia might be interested in that but I don't think the SA authorities will do it.

He should never come out of jail though. He is and always was a MURDERER.

Certainly not to a rich white man.

[erinp5]

I can't see him returning to prison , I would not be surprised if he tries to leave the country.

[Livia]

I think he still has the possibility to appeal?

If so, he could still get away with it

This verdict was made by The Supreme Court of Appeals, so I'm not sure about that. Of course, I know very little about the SA legal system.

[bots]

This verdict was made by The Supreme Court of Appeals, so I'm not sure about that. Of course, I know very little about the SA legal system.

he does have the possibility to appeal but his grounds for appeal are severely limited.

[erinp5]

Pistorius considering appeal
In an unusually terse response to the devastating news from the Court of Appeal this morning, the Pistorius family said they had "taken note" but would not comment further.
"We have taken note of the judgement that has just been handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal," the family said in a statement.
"The legal team will study the finding and we will be guided by them in terms of options going forward.
"We will not be commenting any further at this stage."
Pistorius's legal team will now be considering whether to appeal to the Constitutional Court but it will require considerable time and more resources, something the athlete is known to be short of.
Criminal law expert Cliff Alexander says he does not believe this is the end of the matter. "I don’t think it is the end of it.
"I think we might probably, funds depending, see a Constitutional Court challenge on whether he received a fair trial – trial by media so to speak.
"There was huge pressure on everybody concerned, whether it affected the outcome of the trial is another story."

[user104658]

Pistorius considering appeal
In an unusually terse response to the devastating news from the Court of Appeal this morning, the Pistorius family said they had "taken note" but would not comment further.
"We have taken note of the judgement that has just been handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal," the family said in a statement.
"The legal team will study the finding and we will be guided by them in terms of options going forward.
"We will not be commenting any further at this stage."
Pistorius's legal team will now be considering whether to appeal to the Constitutional Court but it will require considerable time and more resources, something the athlete is known to be short of.
Criminal law expert Cliff Alexander says he does not believe this is the end of the matter. "I don’t think it is the end of it.
"I think we might probably, funds depending, see a Constitutional Court challenge on whether he received a fair trial – trial by media so to speak.
"There was huge pressure on everybody concerned, whether it affected the outcome of the trial is another story."
What an absolute farce. The whole thing is ridiculous, the entire story is so blatantly false that you really have to wonder about justice in SA (more than everyone wonders already). The man got angry, snapped, and either deliberately or by recklessly popping bullets at a door, he murdered her.

[Niamh.]

What an absolute farce. The whole thing is ridiculous, the entire story is so blatantly false that you really have to wonder about justice in SA (more than everyone wonders already). The man got angry, snapped, and either deliberately or by recklessly popping bullets at a door, he murdered her.

Absolutely. The story was the biggest pile of BS I ever heard and it should have been laughed out of court first time round

[Tom4784]

What a messy trial, it's difficult to trust any judgement the courts make in this case if they keep flip flopping on the matter.

[Vicky.]

They had an argument, he snapped, she locked herself in the bathroom, and he purposely shot her. A few times to make sure he hit.

I don't understand what all the fairytale nonsense is that he comes out with, nor do I understand how anyone could eat it all up.

[user104658]

They had an argument, he snapped, she locked herself in the bathroom, and he purposely shot her. A few times to make sure he hit.

I don't understand what all the fairytale nonsense is that he comes out with, nor do I understand how anyone could eat it all up.
There were marks from someone trying to bash the door in (he says afterwards...) but my theory is they argued, she got scared and locked herself in, she wouldn't open the door when he tried to get in, he went mental and tried to bash the door down, when that failed and by that point in a blind rage he's gone and grabbed the gun and started firing it at the door. It's the chain of events that makes most sense to me but impossible to prove. The basic facts though - that he almost certainly knew it was her in there when he fired the gun - seem pretty obvious.

Obviously there's more to proving it when it comes to trial and sometimes guilt just can't be proven even when it's obvious - but in this case, the whole thing just seems like an absolute shambles.

[Niamh.]

Terrible sentence but better than what he got originally I guess

Oscar Pistorius sentenced to six years for murder of Reeva Steenkamp

The Guardian’s Africa correspondent writes from Pretoria of the moment those in court heard the six-year sentence handed down to Pistorius:

The 29-year-old former athlete showed little emotion, but looked relieved. His family made no immediate statement.

The sentence was much lower than many had expected. Public prosectors had demanded the mandatory minimum for murder of 15 years. An appeal from Pistorius is considered unlikely, though public prosecutors may decide to challenge the sentence.

However, supporters of the Steenkamps said:

The law has run its course.

Doup De Bruyn, a lawyer who has represented the family, said:

There is nothing [the family] can do about the sentence. Nothing will bring Reeva back. The best thing to do is to maintain a dignified silence.

http://i.imgur.com/D6s60Ic.jpg?1

Pistorius arrived for court today looking anxious but healthier than during the hearings last month. He hugged members of his legal team and his family. The relatives of the former athlete and those of his victim filled a bench along the front of the courtroom.

In an hour-long judgment, Judge Masipa said evidence she had heard convinced her Pistorius was “not a violent person”, was unlikely to reoffend and had showed remorse. The judge said she had to balance the interests of society, the accused and relatives of the victim.

Pistorius, she said, was “a fallen hero, who has lost his career, and been ruined financially. He cannot be at peace.”

She also stressed that a court should not be swayed by public opinion but that punishment must also reflect the seriousness of the offence. It should be “unpleasant, uncomfortable and painful”.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jul/06/oscar-pistorius-sentenced-murder-reeva-steenkamp-live

[smudgie]

6 years is ridiculous, but somewhat better than the community service he had said he would be happy to do.

[Niamh.]

6 years is ridiculous, but somewhat better than the community service he had said he would be happy to do.

Isn't he wonderful :bored:

[andybigbro]

6 years? That is pathetic! He deserves life!

[kirklancaster]

Phew... I just made the most awful mistake.

I just kissed an intruder!!!

I was in the bedroom and heard a noise in the bathroom. I know my wife gets up for work and uses the bathroom at this time, so I ran in the bathroom with my eyes closed and lips puckered, and planted a big sloppy kiss on a burglar's lips.

It's TRUE...TRUE I tell ya.

[Niamh.]

That picture of her parents, they look totally broken :(

[kirklancaster]

6 years is ridiculous, but somewhat better than the community service he had said he would be happy to do.

He will be out in 2 years - if he does actually serve time at all.

[jaxie]

What an incredible miscarriage of justice from start to finish this has been. Six years of which he will do three at most for murder. What does this say about the law in South Africa? Reeva's parents got a life sentence.

[Niamh.]

What an incredible miscarriage of justice from start to finish this has been. Six years of which he will do three at most for murder. What does this say about the law in South Africa? Reeva's parents got a life sentence.

They got that alone from their daughter being killed but it's just cruel to drag it out like it has been over the years too and to have to watch that asshole and his theatrics in court and his pleas for sympathy, makes me sick

[Vicky.]

6 years..pathetic

[Ammi]

...from the moment that life was extinguished from their daughter by him until this moment that they have waited for, is more or less the time he'll be eligible for parole in..from this thread being made....how can that be justice in any court of law anywhere...

[Niamh.]

...from the moment that life was extinguished from their daughter by him until this moment that they have waited for, is more or less the time he'll be eligible for parole in..from this thread being made....how can that be justice in any court of law anywhere...

Sounds even worse when you put into terms like that

[jet]

...from the moment that life was extinguished from their daughter by him until this moment that they have waited for, is more or less the time he'll be eligible for parole in..from this thread being made....how can that be justice in any court of law anywhere...

Justice has not been served, nowhere near. It's disgusting.

[Vicky.]

Ugh. Just seen this tweet....makes everything even ****ing worse

"South Africa...where you get 7 years for stealing sheep & 6 years for murder."

why on earth was it the same judge sentencing who 'let him off' last time and had to be reviewed?!

[Niamh.]

Ugh. Just seen this tweet....makes everything even ****ing worse

"South Africa...where you get 7 years for stealing sheep & 6 years for murder."

why on earth was it the same judge sentencing who 'let him off' last time and had to be reviewed?!



Oh I didn't know it was the same judge, well that makes zero sense.

I also read something like Nelson Mandela gets 27 years for fighting racism, Oscar Pistorius gets 6 years for murder

[Amy Jade]

Disgusted at the result. Only 6 years for killing her and flat out lying about how it happened. I guess all the 'pity me' moments like when walked on his stumps really worked on that pathetic judge.

Awful result, he'd have gotten more time for evading taxes.

[lostalex]

he'll be out in time for Rio.

[microscope]

Just after she handed out his prison sentence, she then talked about a chance for him to appeal his sentence if he so wishes, how ridiculous after all of this lengthy and incredibly expensive court case. He killed somebody and he should be locked behind bars and he should think himself lucky that he didn't get a longer sentence, so I hope he doesn't appeal.

The length of the speech that the judge gave before she actually handed out the sentence is pathetic. I think it was about half an hour long. Maybe she gets paid by the minute so wanted to make it last as long as she could

[user104658]

With the sentencing being this light I'm baffled as to how he's still alive. Genuinely baffled. If it was my daughter I'd have found a way to get to him by now :shrug:.