Former South African athlete to find out this week how long he is to spend in prison for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Oscar Pistorius is to learn this week how long he will spend in prison for the crime of murdering his girlfriend with four bullets fired through a closed toilet door.
A sentencing hearing at the high court in Pretoria in South Africa starts on Monday and is expected to be be the final chapter in an extraordinary story that attracted intense worldwide attention.
The 29-year-old Olympic and Paralympic sprinter, who has spent recent months under house arrest at his uncles luxurious home in the city, is almost certain to be in jail by the end of the week, with the prospect of about 15 years or possibly more behind bars.
Pistorius won global fame and fortune when he reached the semi-finals of the 400m at the 2012 Olympics. A double amputee below the knee from 11 months old, Pistorius inspired millions around the world with his determination to reach the highest levels of sport. His success attracted lucrative endorsement contracts and sponsorship deals from major brands.
But in February 2013 Pistorius fell spectacularly from grace when he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a model and law graduate.