Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for killing Reeva Steenkamp.

He also received a three-year suspended sentence for a firearms charge.

There was silence in court as the verdict was read out. Pistorius has now been taken to the cells.

South African judge Thokozile Masipa said the non-custodial sentences proposed by defence witnesses "would not be appropriate".

Pistorius arrived in court ealier this morning, flanked by armed police.

During the sentencing hearing the defence called for community service and house arrest.

His personal psychologist, Dr Lore Hartzenberg, has described his remorse and pain as genuine. Other witnesses highlighted failings in South Africa's prison system.

The prosecution called for a minimum of ten years. Prosecuting lawyer Gerrie Nel has described a community sentence as "shockingly inappropriate", saying: "If the court sentence is too light, and society loses trust in the court, they will take the law into their own hands. That's what the court has to guard against."

Both sides have the right to appeal the sentence.

Last month, Pistorius was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp, whom he shot through a bathroom door on Valentine's Day 2013. He was cleared of her murder.