Pistorius murder sentence increased from six to 15 years
Blade runner Oscar Pistorius's prison sentence has been increased from six years to 15 years and five months for the brutal murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal increased the sentence after the state argued the original sentence of six years was lenient. Pistorius was jailed in July 2016 after being found guilty of murder.
Oscar found guilty of murder
Double-amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius is charged with murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The police reached Pistorius's house after receiving an emergency call from his neighbour and found Steenkamp dead and a 9 mm pistol. Pistorius was arrested once before in 2009 for allegedly assaulting a woman. His previous history with 'domestic violence' had also been recorded in the charges.
From greatest Paralympian to a cold blooded murderer
Oscar Pistorius is the winner of six gold, one silver and one bronze Paralympic medals. He is also the 1st double-amputee athlete to compete against able-bodied runners in the Olympics.
Did the Steenkamp family finally get justice?
The double amputee sprinter claimed he mistook his 29-year-old model girlfriend for an intruder and fired four bullets through the bathroom door in the wee hours of 14 February 2013. Witness claim they heard the couple arguing. The court initially ruled that the state failed to prove it was a premeditated murder, but found him guilty of culpable homicide.
No running away from this one
Oscar was first sentenced to 5 years for culpable homicide, and was even released from prison and placed under house arrest. However, the relief was only interim as the conviction was overturned and he was charged of murder following an appeal and was sentenced to six years. In July 2016 the sentence was challenged again saying it was 'shockingly too lenient'.
