Oscar Pistorius has had his prison sentence more than doubled by a South African appeals court.

The Paralympic athlete shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead on Valentines Day of 2013, and is currently serving six years for her murder. 

The court by a unanimous decision, found his original sentence to be 'inappropriate.' 

His prison term has been increased from six years to 13 years and five months.

The family of Reeva Steenkamp welcomed the court's decision.

'This is an emotional thing for them' Tania Koen, a spokeswoman for the Steenkamp family told The Guardian.

Just in: Oscar Pistorius jail sentence for murder of Reeva Steenkamp has been increased to 13yrs.
prosecution had appealed against his 6yr sentence.
Supreme Court this morning said shld have been 15yrs, as he's served 2 it will now be 13.

— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) November 24, 2017

'They just feel that their trust in the justice system has been confirmed this morning.'

Pistorius maintains his claims that he believed Reeva Steenkamp was an intruder in his home when he shot her. 

Cape Town native Steenkamp was 29-years-old when she was killed.