State in court to appeal Oscar Pistorius six-year sentence

The State is applying for leave to appeal his new sentence.

The former Paralympian was initially convicted of culpable homicide after shooting dead his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

While the former athlete had expressed regret, he had still not offered a credible explanation for firing the four shots that killed law graduate, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder.

The conviction was overturned to one of murder in December - his sentence was then increased to six years earlier this year.

Read also: BREAKING: Oscar Pistorius sentenced to six years for murder

In July, the state indicated it would seek leave to appeal, as it believed the sentence handed down by judge Thokozile Masipa was shockingly lenient.

The defence in response indicated it believed the sentence was sufficient. It argued that no other court would come to a different finding, and continuing would be an insult to Masipa.

Proceedings are currently taking place at the North Gauteng High Court and Pistorius is not expected to be present in court.