Oscar Pistorius: Live updates as prosecutors seek to appeal length of athlete's five year sentence

The Blade Runner was jailed for the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp earlier this year, but prosecutors say his sentence was 'shockingly low'

9:07 am
Circumstantial evidence made Pistorius' version of events 'impossible'

Nel says the court didn't deal with circumstantial evidence that, the prosecutor says, make Pistorius' version of events impossible.

The prosecutor asks for a short adjournment.

We break for 15 mintues.
8:55 am
What was his intention?

Nel is dealing with the legal principles around Pistorius' conviction for culpable homicide.

Referring to case law, he says that the defendant may have had intent, as defined in law, even though he does not believe he did.

Nel says that the court found Pistorius had the intention to shoot, but not that he had the intention to kill.

So then, what was his intention? How did he not foresee the consequences of his actions?
8:38 am


Nel says he only has to convince this judge that the appeal court will hear his appeal - not that he is correct.

Nel says his appeal is based on law.

The defence says the prosecutions' application is based on the appealing of facts.
8:26 am
Appealing culpable homicide conviction

Nel turns to the prosecutions' desire to appeal Pistorius' culpable homicide conviction.

He says the court did not take into account some of the circumstantial evidence when reaching its verdict.

Pistorius 'didn't fire blindly'

Nel tells the court Pistorius "didn't fire blindly". He knew where Reeva was, and was trained to use guns.

He adds that he believes there is a "reasonable prospect of success" in convincing the appeals court that the sentence was too low.


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Prosecutor Gerrie Nel is back before the court

8:17 am
Sentence 'shockingly inappropriate'

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel is once again back before the court.

He says that his team will argue the sentences was "shockingly inappropriate", and does not fit the nature of the crime.

He tells the court that not enough weight was given to Pistorius' actions, and questions that precedent that is set by the length of the sentence when he acted with "gross negligence".

8:09 am

Prosecutors in the case of Oscar Pistorius will find out today if they can appeal his five-year sentence for the killing of Reeva Steenkamp.

The Blade Runner was handed a five-year jail term back in October after being convicted of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend, who he shot on Valentine's Day 2013.

But prosecutors say the sentence was "shockingly low", and have asked for permission to appeal it.

At this morning's hearing, Judge Masipa - who decided on the original sentence - will rule on whether the appeal can go ahead.

Pistorius will not be in court for this session.