Oscar Pistorius should not be jailed for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and should instead serve community service, a social worker said during the athlete’s sentencing hearing yesterday.

Prosecutors said the defence witness’s suggestion was “shockingly inappropriate.”

The 27-year-old was found guilty of culpable homicide last month and his days-long sentencing hearing kicked off yesterday.

His defence also called psychologist Dr Lore Hartzenberg, who said Mr Pistorius was a “broken man” who had already suffered emotionally and financially.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel retorted: “We are now dealing with a broken man, but he is still alive.”

Turning attention to the victim, he asked: “Do you know anything about her dreams, what she wanted to do in life?”

Prosecutors said Mr Pistorius had opened fire in anger after the couple argued.