Oscar Pistorius denied right to appeal murder conviction

South African constitutional court has denied Oscar Pistorius the right to appeal his murder conviction.

South African constitutional court has denied Oscar Pistorius the right to appeal his murder conviction “for lack of prospects of success.”

An appeals court dismissed a lower court’s lesser manslaughter conviction and found Pistorius guilty of murder in December.

The case now moves to the South African High Court so that Pistorius can be sentenced for murder in April.

In the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, Pistorius shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through the bathroom door as he claims that he mistakenly believed she was a home invader.

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Pistorius served less than a year in jail. He was granted bail and extended his house arrest until his sentencing hearing.

The minimum sentence for murder in South Africa is 15 years, but a judge can reduce that sentence.

Pistorius is best known for becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics. He competed in the 400-meter dash at the 2012 Summer Games in London wearing carbon-fiber blades.