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Pistorius appeals in court to reduce sentence

Pistorius filed documents to the Constitutional Court challenging the appeals court's ruling.

Oscar Pistorius

Johannesburg, December 20: Disgraced Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius has appealed to South Africa's highest court to reduce the sentence he got for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The 31-year-old was jailed for six years for shooting dead Steenkamp - but prosecutors argued that was "shockingly lenient" and an appeals court agreed last month to more than double the term to 15 years.

<strong>Court increases Pistorius' sentence from 6 to 13 years</strong>Court increases Pistorius' sentence from 6 to 13 years

Pistorius filed documents to the Constitutional Court challenging the appeals court's ruling.

The double-amputee sprinter, known as the "Blade Runner", maintains he believed Steenkamp was an intruder when he shot her through the bathroom door.

The judgement, he argued, disregarded material findings of the trial court, which showed "compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence". Fifteen years is the minimum usually given for murder.

Pistorius said this was in breach of his constitutional right to a fair trial and sentencing.

When asked about Pistorius' appeal, Steenkamp's family spokeswoman Tania Koen said: "It's his legal right to do so and we have to respect the legal process. It is what it is."

Legal analysts have said such as appeal to the Constitutional Court had slim chances of success.

Pistorius' family spokesman was not available to comment.

Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated because of a congenital defect, soared to international fame after becoming the first amputee to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Story first published: Wednesday, December 20, 2017, 12:26 [IST]
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