Olympian Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius stood when the sentence was read.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) OSCAR PISTORIUS STANDING, JUDGE THOKOZILE MASIPA (NOT SEEN) READING SENTENCE, SAYING:

"The following is what I consider to be a sentence (JUDGE THOKOZILE MASIPA IN-VISION) that is fair and just both to society and to the accused. Count one: (PISTORIUS IN VISION) culpable homicide. The sentence imposed is five years of imprisonment imposed in terms of section 2761-I of the Criminal Procedure Act, Number 51 of 1977.

Pistorius was later led into an awaiting police vehicle and driven off.

Legal analysts say he could be considered for parole after serving about 10 months of the sentence.

Pistorius was also handed a suspended three year sentence on a firearm charge.