Oscar Pistorius sentenced to 6 years in prison for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp

South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.The verdict comes after his initial five-year conviction for manslaughter was changed to murder last December on appeal.

He was taken immediately to jail. Both the prosecution and defence can appeal.Pistorius, 29, shot Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked toilet door in February 2013. 

the deceased parents leaving the courtroom after the sentencing

Pistorius had admitted shooting her, but said he mistook Ms Steenkamp for an intruder and acted out of fear.In an hour-long session, Judge Thokozile Masipa said mitigating circumstances, such as rehabilitation and remorse, outweighed aggravating factors for deviating from the prescribed 15-year sentence for murder.

Watch the Sentencing here: