Oscar Pistorius is about to learn how much jail time, if any, he will serve for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend last year.

On the first day of his sentencing hearing, psychologist Lore Hartzenburg -- appearing for the defence -- told the court that Pistorius is a broken man.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) OSCAR PISTORIUS' PSYCHOLOGIST, LORE HARTZENBERG SAYING:

(SOUNDBITE STARTS OVER SHOT OF JUDGE LISTENING)

"It is foreseen that Mr. Pistorius will require intensive and ongoing psychotherapy... We are left with a broken man who has lost everything."

Pistorius shot his girlfriend through a bathroom door on Valentine's Day last year. But the double-amputee and former track star claims he was defending himself against -- what he thought -- was an intruder.

The defence wants Pistorius to serve only house arrest and community service for his crime... but state prosecutor Gerrie Nel is asking for a lengthy prison sentence.

Either way, the outcome will c