Oscar Pistorius awaits sentence after being found guilty of culpable homicide

Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

 

The verdict follows after the former Olympian and Paralympian was found not guilty murder and premeditated murder by a South African judge yesterday.

 

Judge Thokozile Maispa said Pistorius had acted negligently on the night of the victim's death but argued the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he "did not entertain a genuine belief that there was an intruder".

 

Maispa agreed to extend Pistorius' bail until his sentencing which has been scheduled for 13 October.

 

In summing up the evidence yesterday, Maispa said Pistorius had acted "too hastily" and "used excessive force" when he mistakenly believed there to be an intruder in his bathroom on the night in question on Valentine's Day 2013.

 

As part of this trial, the former Olympian and Paralympian was also convicted of firing a gun in a restaurant in January 2013, but was found not guilty of firing a gun through a sunroof in November 2012.

 

Pistorius had been visibly distressed in court yesterday, but appeared more calm and composed this morning.

 

#PistoriusTrial Alot less drama in court this morning.. As indicated y'day the runner is found guilty of culpable homicide

— Alex Crawford (@AlexCrawfordSky) September 12, 2014