Oscar Pistorius sentenced for murder

Yup. We must agree to disagree!

I'm sorry Jane10, we'll just have to agree to differ.

It wasn't me who wanted to discuss death by dangerous driving (UK or otherwise) - as I said, that's not what we were talking about here.

I specifically researched the SA law and it's on this that I am taking a view here. I've read the details of the 3 categories that the judge must consider for mitigation and am not so stupid that I can't see that there are things to consider in this case.

In spite of this, I still hold to my view which is broadly in accord with that of the SA prosecutor. I'm sorry if you don't agree.

You are discussing it from a British experience rather than taking into consideration the very different levels of (in)security there compared to ours. Also the fact that he was on steroids seems to be overlooked. The court evidence from the Professor of Clinical Psychology was extremely convincing.

We were discussing the murder tariff in SA.

You are right Jane10 about the paltry sentence re death by reckless driving here in the UK, but I think that's another thread.

But if you wipe out a family in your car its reckless driving and only a paltry sentence? Something badly wrong there. Bluebelle makes sound points.

Just want to add that some people DO feel great remorse after they kill someone. I have seen it first hand, but it doesn't mean that the time incarcerated shouldn't reflect the severity of the crime.

In the Telegraph 3 days ago:

- a statement from the National Prosecution Agency (NPA) said: “We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years’ imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed, that is to say, shockingly too lenient, and has accordingly resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute.”
The NPA said the judge, herself disabled by polio she suffered as a child, had exhibited "maudlin sympathy" for the Paralympian, “overemphasised” his disability, and “underemphasised” what Steenkamp must have endured.

... Personally I think that the 6 years was too short given that the 'minimum' should be 15 years in what the judiciary consider to be 'normal' murders. The judge can reduce this if there are compelling reasons to do so according to the legal info I've looked at.

The issue that I'm concerned about is whether the 6 years is fair and proportionate. Recently a rhino poacher killed three baby rhinos and his accomplice and was given 77 years so there is obviously lots of movement upwards of 15 years. However if it sticks at 6 years after the NFA have re-examined it I suppose that it must be then considered proportionate to the crime.

In that case he will be out in 3 years and we may well see him competing again pretty soon. Maybe the 2020 Olympics?

I think Gettingonabit has made very rational posts I think the judge made the only judgement she could have in light of the huge media and public outcry and 'interest' by interest I mean all the armchair judges who ' know what happened'

I think he is a totally broken man which must serve as some punishment as well as the sentence No one knows what really happened only himself he seemed a fairly arrogant young man who had a hothead and acted in the moment to both his and Reevas detriment

Not one of us knows what happened or what was in his head when it happened whether he was in a rage at Reeva or in a flight or fight mode because of his perceived danger No one knows if he's lied through his back teeth or if he's told the truth A judge is only human a wise ( usually) and knowledgable human being but even a judge can't see in someone's brain at the time it happened

The reason I hate guns and the rightful ownership to have by your bed a weapon to kill so easily in a moment of passion or fear

With regard to the money issues I think that as someone else said there are cultural differences to take into account. I agree the sentence is light and he tried to manipulate the court using his disability. However if it was my daughter who was killed I would want the whole circus over with and be left to grieve in peace. Nothing is going to change the fact that Reeva died, Pistorious will continue to be the awful person he clearly is. There is an issue of course about the message this sentence sends out.

Thanks for the link NotSpaghetti.

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/21/south-africa-to-appeal-pistorius-six-year-murder-sentence/

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-36855498

It's the South African State Prosecutor it seems!

Well that is interesting NotSpaghetti. Whose made the challenge? I for one hope they succeed.

Interestingly, just when you thought this was over, read today that the 6 years is being challenged as too lenient.

Just read my previous posts. No point in reiteration.

I think most are of the same mind

And him serving the six years will make your life happier? The threat of gang rape if carried out will be justice because he deserved it?
No to both although the question was not addressed to me; however, I do believe in justice. He should be protected in prison which could mean solitary confinement, but I believe that the sentence is too lenient. It is only one year more than if he had been found guilty of manslaughter.
I do not know what miscarriage of justice has to do with it, unless the previous sentence was found to be so.

We are not living in South Africa (although there may be posters who are) and their justice system is different to ours.

I think that women's groups in SA are outraged at the lenient sentence. I am surprised that some posters are not of the same mind.

Seems so many want not only justice but revenge so I doubt him being attacked would cause upset for many

Yes, I see what you're saying but surely he'll be looked out for in prison? Such a high profile prisoner, and such a high profile case it wouldn't do much for the SA prison authorities if he was to come to any harm.

Smileness m I thunk he should serve the sentence in a prison hospital, he is vulnerable

I've no idea Anniebach but your mention of it had nothing to do with the discussion about his guilt or innocence or the appropriateness of his sentence.

Sadly I'm sure there are many prisoners who are in fear of such things, but don't expect it to be taken into account by the courts, or anyone else for that matter, when their sentence is passed.

Smileness , why on earth would I want or need to do that?

No not at all, I questioned why you thought it appropriate to ask me if I would regard him being gang raped in prison as being his just deserts; justice being served.

I wondered if you did so to try and cast me in a bad light, have no idea why you should wish too though.

Don't remember giving it. Just your usual 'twisting' of a polite sentence for your own benefit. You can insult all you want. You bother me not. You are in the minority regarding this subject. But of course, are entitled to your views. Oh grief, I just did it again!

We are all entitled to our own views breeze, , your permission isn't needed

Smileness, you seem to have mixed up a question with and accusation yes?