‘Justice has not been done’: Reeva Steenkamp’s parents react to Oscar Pistorius sentence

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

The parents of Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot dead by Oscar Pistorius in February 2013, have reacted to his five year sentence today.

Barry and June, who were in court to watch the athlete learn his fate on Tuesday, said they ‘do not feel that justice has been done’ after Pistorius received just five years in jail for the killing.

However they told ITV’s Good Morning Britain they accepted the sentence, and don’t seek revenge for the death of their daughter, aged just 29.

OSCAR PISTORIUS: THE TRIAL IN PICTURES

Reeva's parents June and Barry spoke to Good Morning Britain on Wednesday
Reeva's parents June and Barry spoke to Good Morning Britain on Wednesday

‘The law must take its course, we have to accept what has happened,’ said June, who has remained stony faced in court - despite the traumatic nature of proceedings.

‘If there is an appeal, well, there is an appeal. There is nothing we can change about that. But it will be difficult to go on even further, again.’

‘He has got to pay for what he has done'

‘We may not feel that justice has been done, but we have just got to accept what the judge decided.’

‘He has got to pay for what he has done and it is not that we want vengeance or anything, or for him to suffer with his disabilities,’ June added.

OSCAR PISTORIUS SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON

Oscar holds the hand of his uncle, Arnold, as he is led down to the cells. Reeva's family and friends can be seen watching

‘But at the same time, we feel satisfied that he will realise that you can’t go around doing things like that.’

‘We want a fair punishment under the circumstances of his disability.’

Barry Steenkamp, who has suffered strokes from the stress of his young daughter’s death, said: ‘Only Oscar knows whether that sentence is acceptable to him. I’ve got my feelings to the whole thing.’

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