Pistorius Sentencing: House Arrest Suggestion by Probation Officer Angers Prosecutor
A suggestion by a corrections social worker that Oscar Pistorius be sentenced to three years of house arrest left the prosecutor surprised at his sentencing hearing Monday, and he questioned if the officer was aware that he had been convicted of culpable homicide.
Joel Maringa, working for South Africa's prison authorities, said that he believed the paralympian would benefit from "correctional supervision," reports the ABC news. Maringa also said that Pistorius should be required to perform 16 hours of community service a month cleaning a museum, not be permitted to consume alcohol or drugs, own a gun, and take courses in dealing with anger management.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel described the recommendation as "shockingly inappropriate", reports the BBC.
The prosecutors also called his psychiatrist, Dr. Löre Hartzenberg, who described him as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and said that most sessions were spent weeping by the athlete.
Oscar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp mistaking her for an intruder at their home on Valentine's day. He fired four shots through the bathroom door.
Pistorius faces a maximum 15 years in jail if found guilty. Judge Thokozile Masipa's decision of manslaughter a month ago was criticized by the victim's family.
The court on Monday was represented in full strength by Steenkamp's friends and family and the benches were full on Pistorius' side too.
Judge Masipa may suspend the sentence or impose a fine. According to the BBC report, she asked more details about what "community service" would entail.
