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"Blade Runner" Pistorius Gets 5 Years In Jail For Killing Girlfriend

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South African "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison over the killing of his girlfriend and model Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Thokozile Masipa, who found Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide last month, delivered the verdict at the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Separately, the 27-year-old Paralympian has also been handed a three-year suspended sentence for a firearms charge.

BBC, quoting Defense lawyer Barry Roux, reported that Pistorius will have to serve 10 months in prison and could then be eligible for house arrest based on good behavior.

He is expected to serve his prison term in Pretoria Central Jail.

Tuesday's sentencing brings to an end a case that has captured the world's attention for eight months.

Police arrested Pistorius on February 14 after Steenkamp was found fatally shot in the early hours of the day at the athlete's home in the Silverlakes complex in the Boschkop area of Pretoria.

The prosecution claimed Pistorius shot Steenkamp after a prolonged argument between the couple.

The Defense attorney admitted that his client committed the killing but denied that it was premeditated. Pistorius said he did not know who was behind the closed door and opened fire thinking it was an intruder.

The judge agreed with this and found him not guilty of charges of premeditated murder.

A double below-knee amputee, Pistorius is a world record holder for sprint items for the disabled.

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