For the past six months, the world has been riveted by the trial of South African paralympic hero Oscar Pistorius, 27, who stood accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a fit of rage in the early hours of Valentine's Day last year.

The court heard how FHM model Reeva, 29, was found dead after being shot four times through the bathroom door in the athlete's flat in South Africa.

REEVA STEENKAMP'S BROTHER DESCRIBES PISTORIUS TRIAL AS 'GROTESQUE PANTOMIME'

Pistorius maintained he thought he was firing the weapon at an intruder as he believed his girlfriend of three months lay sleeping in bed.

The prosecution claimed Pistorius deliberately shot Reeva after a blazing row. But last week, judge Thokozile Masipa sensationally cleared the double amputee of murdering his lover, concluding he didn't intend to kill her. He was convicted of culpable homicide- similar to manslaughter in the UK.

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He awaits sentencing on 13 October for all charges and could face up to 15 years in prison.

Reeva's close friend Kerry Smith, 37, who studied law with her for four years at university, was shocked by the outcome as she was convinced he would be sent down for murder.

She said: "Reeva was the kindest, most gentle woman- the best friend imaginable. To think she died in such a brutal way is agonising. "

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