Oscar Pistorius second hearing resumes

The hearing will last several days and Mr. Pistorius could face up to 15 years in jail if found guilty

The pre-sentence hearing on whether South African Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius should be jailed for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp has resumed. Last month, the world-class athlete had been found guilty of culpable homicide but was cleared of murder.

On Tuesday, Prosecutor Gerrie Nel revealed the athlete’s offer of a lump sum worth 375,000 rand ($34,000) to the Steenkamp family when cross-examining defence witness Annette Vergeer, a probation officer. He had raised the cash by selling his car but June Steenkamp, the victim’s mother, had rejected the “blood money.” Nonetheless, seprate monthly payments of 6,000 rand ($540) had been paid to the family who were short of cash following their 29-year-old daughter’s death after three bullets were fired by Mr. Pistorius through the toilet door of his home.

Ms. Vergeer had said when questioned that Mr. Pistorius would be “a lot more vulnerable than the normal man” in prison. She suggested that he be sentenced to house arrest or community service.