Probation officer Annette Vergeer told the Pretoria court the Paralympian should be handed a suspended sentence, community work, therapy, and correctional supervision for the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

His defence team is attempting to argue that jail would not be appropriate for the double-amputee.

But prosecution lawyers are strongly countering that, arguing the 27-year-old - convicted last month of culpable homicide - deserves only time behind bars.

Judge Thokozile Masipa could jail him for up to 15 years, but could also choose to impose a suspended sentence or a fine.

Pistorius killed Steenkamp after shooting her through a locked toilet door on February 14 last year, believing there was an intruder in his Pretoria home.

Speaking in court today, probation officer Vergeer said Pistorius would "only deteriorate" in prison.

"It is virtually impossible in prison to teach a person how to become a useful member of society," she added.

"There is also no facility to cater for the accused's disability."

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel is arguing for Pistorius to be jailed after he was found guilty last month of culpable homicide ©Herman Verwey/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images





Vergeer also revealed Pistorius had been paying Steenkamp's family ZAR6,000 (£340/$542/€428) a month, though the court heard the family would be retuning the money.

He also offered them ZAR375,000 (£21,300/$33,900/€26,700) from the sale of one of his cars, which was refused.

Nel asked her: "Did you know that the deceased's mother went so far as to say she does not want blood money?"

He also challenged Vergeer on her negative portrayal of life inside South African prisons.

Proceedings began with Nel's cross-examination of Pistorius' manager Peet Van Zyl, during which the athlete's charity work was called into question.

The hearing is expected to last up to a week, with both prosecution and defence teams calling a number of witnesses.