Surprise, surprise

[MajGenl.Meade]

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been given five years in jail for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Thokozile Masipa also gave Pistorius a three-year suspended sentence for a firearms charge.

The parents of Reeva Steenkamp told the BBC they were happy with the sentence and relieved the case was over. The defence said it expected Pistorius to serve about 10 months in prison.

Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide but cleared of murder.

Prosecutors had called for a minimum 10-year term, and the defence had argued for community service and house arrest.

'Feeling of unease'

Pistorius showed little reaction to the sentence other than to wipe his eyes before being led away to the cells downstairs.

[BoSoxGal]

Well it's better than house arrest.

[MajGenl.Meade]

He gets his own room - 10 months and out to two years house arrest (expected).

This is from the front page of his website:

14 February 2014

No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love Reeva.

The pain and sadness – especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow. The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

The pity is that he didn't miss her on Feb 14 2013.

[Daisy]

Fucking joke.

Shame on your society. Shame on you South Africa.

[BoSoxGal]

I was on my mobile when I first replied; now that I can use the keyboard, I have a bit more to say.

Even if you think voluntary manslaughter (culpable homicide) was the right verdict, the sentence is still very lenient - at least comparable to sentences here in the US that I'm familiar with.

(I honestly don't know the national average, and I think since sentencing is so often influenced by facts specific to a case, it's hard to just take an average number, anyway.)

As an example, I had a client as a public defender who drove under the influence of alcohol, crashed, and his passenger - who was also under the influence and had chosen to ride, unbelted, with his drunk friend - was killed in the wreck.

That client was sentenced to 30 years (the maximum) w/20 suspended, for vehicular homicide while under the influence. He will serve at least a quarter of his custodial sentence before becoming eligible for release.

How is driving drunk more reckless than firing four hollow point bullets into a closed door without first ensuring it's not your overnight guest behind the door???

[Gob]

Out in 10 months? Joke on a (pair of) sticks

[Joe Guy]

Here's what Pistorius is thinking -

Let's see.... House Arrest after 10 months

Ankle monitor...

Remove ankle and leave it at home...

Oh Boy!! I can accept that!!

[MajGenl.Meade]

He just changes his legs....

[MajGenl.Meade]

Zebulon Monama, the area commissioner at Kgosi Mampuru II prison, told The Times that within seven months Pistorius would be prepared for release on correctional supervision.

“Yes, he has to serve 10 months but well before that he’s prepared for release.”

Pistorius’s conviction, sentence and now potential early release have left the National Prosecuting Authority fuming.

[Gob]

Rose are red..
Violets are glorious...
You'd better not surprise...
Oscar Pistorius...

[MajGenl.Meade]

Not on Feb 14th anyway