Oscar Pistorius trial: Defence suggests community service

The process of sentencing Pistorius, who shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Stenkamp in his home on February 14 last year, began in Pretoria on Monday.

The Olympic and Paralympic sprinter is facing up to 15 years in jail after Judge Thokozile Masipa convicted him of culpable homicide at North Gauteng High Court last month.

However, speaking on Monday after being summoned by Pistorius' defence, prison service officer Joel Maringa claimed the 27-year-old should instead be punished with community service and three years of house arrest.

"The accused will benefit from correctional supervision," Mr Maringa said.

"We are basically not saying that he should be destroyed because he will still be coming back into the community."

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel dismissed the suggestion as "shockingly inappropriate".

Judge Masipa is expected to deliver sentencing later this week.