Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
Divorce, Maintenance, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence
The Oscar judgment of 5 years was no surprise to me. From day one I initially predicted 5 to 7 years and with the evidence (and his testimony) tended more towards the 7 years. What was a surprise is how many people actually bet that he would not be going to jail. A sentence like that was never going to be possible after he killed his girlfriend in the way that he did. It has also amazed me, during this trial, that the sympathy for Oscar Pistorius has largely been from women and once again it is largely women who felt time at his Uncle’s house under correctional services would be appropriate. Men typically have had little sympathy for him and in many ways that is a reversal of what one would expect. Why is it that so many pretty young ladies have rushed to his defence?
In some ways his defence have done a great job. He killed his girlfriend and with time off for good behaviour, and a first offence, he might be out of jail in as little as 2 years time abd his lawyers are saying he will be out after 10 months only. He could easily have got 7 to 10 years and 5 years, is in my impression the lowest sentence he could have received.
An awful amount of money was spent on getting to a decision one could have reached within a week and I hope Oscar saves his last remaining money and does not appeal. He won’t succeed with an appeal, he has no chance and it would be throwing more money away.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Tuesday 21-Oct-14
Post a Comment
Comments
Joyce said:
on Friday 31-Oct-14 03:53 PM
I thought he was not going jail
Marque said:
on Friday 24-Oct-14 05:20 AM
I think that the conduct of Gerrie Nell the prosecutor was highly unprofessional, strategised, rather than a search for the truth. His conduct in my opinion was unbecoming and border line misconduct. The manner in which he conducted the case for the prosecution and his personal conduct during the trial should be investigated closer, I have worked with Courts and the legal system for nearly 30 yrs and this is a first for me to see a prosecutor conduct himself in the way he did.I am used to law in courts being a search for the truth unlike the jury system, I am not used to any one in the courts trying to make a sensation of a case. His conduct and blatant disrespect towards others was despicable. Why is any one scared to raise this aspect of the trial.
Nikita said:
on Thursday 23-Oct-14 03:46 PM
I think the defence from a legal perspective have done an excellent job! They do say Money Talks and Criminals Walk.
Alexis said:
on Wednesday 22-Oct-14 03:37 PM
I did not think he was going to get time at all. But if you did the crime, then yes you need to do the time. I just hope that everyone can have peace now. his man has completely ruined his life and even when he gets out, will not know what to do with himself. You feel sorry for him in a way, but it was idiotic and all who make those stupid decisions need to deal with the consequences. He will be out in two if not less with good behaviour and all that
Jolene said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 04:34 PM
He will only be in jail for 10 months, I guess it is better than nothing. Social media is going crazy all of a sudden everyone became criminal law experts.
Kaylee said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 04:25 PM
I'm just happy the whole thing is over. I do agree though, he shouldn't appeal, he definitely wont be successful!
Liesl said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 04:17 PM
His sentence could have been a lot worse especially if the state had it their way. I hope people can now leave it alone so that everyone directly impacted by this can move on.
Jade said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 02:24 PM
I originally said 5 years, but I still do not think he will serve the full time.
Elektra said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 02:18 PM
I hope he is brutally punished and everyday is a struggle for him. I hope he gets whats coming his way, and must take it like a champ. I hope he suffers. I don't feel sorry for him and 5 years is just to short.
Thabitha said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 12:36 PM
Finally its over and I hope Reeva's soul is at peace
Ashleigh said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:47 AM
I am surprised that he is going to prison because all he is going to get is a few months in prison and let go on good behaviour just like most criminals who have committed crimes and released to commit the same crime. Honestly, I think house arrest would have been the harsher sentence. But I think his biggest life sentence is the guilt of what he did to Reeva. I agree with Lucretia that people who steal get lengthier sentences then what those who murder and rape. Disgusting actually.
Cindy said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:39 AM
On Monday, Jacaranda (local radio station in Pretoria) said that Reeva's parents are asking for R 500 000.00 AN interview. My question is how sad are they about their child's death if they ask money!!!
I personally think they are insensitive!!
But for Oscar sitting only 5 years, its better that nothing. I thought he would sit a bit longer. At least he is sitting.
Clare said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:37 AM
I for one am glade this trial is over and the guy is getting a little punishment better then nothing, i still am sorry for the beautiful women that life was taken, and my heart goes to her family i would never wanna lose my child. But either way if he goes to jail or not it isn't gonna bring the girl back. Sad but true.
Lourien said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:25 AM
He had to get jail time, because he was guilty of being negligent, we will never know the true story even if it was the truth... 5 years can be a lot in ones life, but little to, time flies and goes by past very quick.
Marisa said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:24 AM
I'm going to be honest.. I really do not have anything to say, as I have not followed the trial.. but at least he has some punishment although hit is not as much as it should be
Lucretia said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:23 AM
I am not happy at all with the sentence. I find Oscar an arrogant man and a man, who the defence has said from day 1, does not like to take responsibility for his actions. I am confused as to why someone who steels money from a company gets a longer sentence than someone who takes a life.....did money change hands????
Cornelie said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:23 AM
I was one of the people who got it wrong I think I knew deep down that he would be sentenced but I wished for house arrest. But 5 years is not that long and I agree he must not take a chance and appeal same.
Jessica said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:20 AM
As I said, when you have money and you well known you will never truly be treated like a criminal. Which is sad people who have done less crime is serving more time than he will. I don't feel sorry for him at all I still believe he did it Intentionally.
david said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:20 AM
Apparently Arnold Pistorius has told journalists there will not be an appeal.
Lizanne said:
on Tuesday 21-Oct-14 11:20 AM
I agree. I honestly thought that he would get at least 10 years, but 5 is better than no jail sentence.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
