Why say 5 yrs when you mean 10 mths though?  And why in a hospital wing?  Is he unwell?

TBH, there's lots about this that doesn't feel right.  I'd say it has all been cooked up behind the scenes to be as lenient as possible whilst appearing to be a fair compromise.  If he had served no time at all, he would likely have had trouble out there in the community.  This way gives him max protection and enables him to say "I served my time and now I'm moving on".  Reeva's family have expressed their contentment with it all.  Hmmmmm.  

All the dragging-out for effect has been part of the whole charade, IMVHO.