Oscar Pistorius Back in Court for Sentencing

Jemal Countess/Getty Images(PRETORIA, South Africa) — Oscar Pistorius returned to a South Africa courtroom Tuesday, with his freedom — and his future — hanging in the balance.

As the athlete’s sentencing hearing enters its second day, it remains unclear exactly when a verdict can be expected.

The athlete was found guilty last month of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter, for shooting and killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year. The trial has now entered its sentencing phase, with the defense and prosecution calling witnesses, trying to influence Judge Thokozile Masipa’s sentencing decision.

Masipa could sentence Pistorius to a maximum of 15 years — but he could also be spared prison, instead being sentenced to house arrest and community service. That was the suggestion Monday by Joel Maringa, a social worker for South Africa’s prison authorities. Maringa testified that he believes the paralympian would benefit from “correctional supervision,” urging the court to sentence Pistorius, 27, to three years of house arrest.

He also suggested other requirements: 16 hours of community service a month; abstinence from alcohol and drugs; no gun ownership; and attending anger management courses.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel called Maringa’s suggestions “shockingly inappropriate.”

Earlier Monday, Pistorius psychologist Dr. Löre Hartzenberg testified that Pistorius was devastated by Steenkamp’s death.

“We are left with a broken man who has lost everything. He’s lost his relationship with Reeva Steenkamp, he’s lost his moral and professional reputation. He’s lost his friends. He’s lost his career,” Hartzenberg said. “On an emotional level, his self-perception and self-worth have been damaged.”

Pistorius fired four shots through a locked bathroom door, killing Steenkamp. Pistorius claimed that he believed there was an intruder in the bathroom. The judge dismissed the murder charges against Pistorius and found him guilty of culpable homicide.

The defense will call at least one more witness Tuesday before Nel begins his case. While the prosecutor has not indicated how many witnesses he will call, it is expected that Pistorius’ ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor would be among them.

It is unclear if Steenkamp’s parents will testify, although there are indications they won’t be called to the stand. After witnesses are called on both sides, the state and defense will deliver closing arguments.

The judge will only indicate once all the evidence has been heard when she will make her decision known.

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