Paralympian Pistorius in court, awaiting sentencing

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius appeared in the High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday morning to hear his sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Thokozile Masipa, who will hand down the judgment, said it now remains for this court to impose an appropriate sentence, reports Xinhua.

According to the judge, to determine a fitting punishment, the following factors will be considered: the offender; the interests of society; the victims of the offence; retribution; deterrence and rehabilitation.

Masipa said 15 years is the prescribed minimum in this case.

Last month, Pistorius' legal team argued for a non-custodial sentence citing his physical and emotional vulnerability as mitigating factors.

But the state is seeking the minimum sentence of 15 years to be imposed, arguing that Pistorius failed to show remorse for his actions.

Criminal law expert Ulrich Roux predicted that Pistorius could receive a short custodial term coupled with community service and/or a suspended sentence.

--IANS

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