'He has nothing': Oscar Pistorius's lawyer says his client is a victim ahead of sentencing

Oscar Pistorius’s lawyer has said his client is a “victim” in the court saga over the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Thokozile Masipa is due to hand down her sentence early next week, after the Blade Runner was found guilty of culpable homicide – or manslaughter – over the fatal shooting on Valentine’s Day last year.

“He’s lost everything. He was an icon in the eyes of South Africans,” defence lawyer Barry Roux said yesterday.

“He was denigrated to the extent that he was a ‘rage killer’, a ‘cold-blooded killer’, a ‘liar’.

“He lost all his sponsors. He lost all his money. He has nothing, my lady.”

Mr Roux said Pistorius’s punishment had begun immediately after the shooting, particularly the “trauma” of an intense media spotlight.

He argued that the Blade Runner is a perfect candidate for house arrest, as he needs specialised physical and psychological care.

Mr Roux had previously suggested Pistorius would be subjected to violence and rape from other inmates in jail.

In response, prosecutor Gerrie Nel called for a 10 year sentence, labeling the term “the minimum that society will be happy with”.

Mr Nel slammed the suggestion that Pistorius’s suffering should mitigate any potential sentence.

“[It is] shockingly disproportionate,” he said.

“Go home, stay in a luxurious house where he’s staying at the moment – that’s what we do every day.

“Make Mr Pistorius pay.”