New music

7 Apr 2014

Oscar Pistorius Trial: Defence Case Begins

Oscar Pistorius has arrived at court in South Africa for the start of his defence case against a murder charge.
The athlete is expected to take the stand this week to explain how and why he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
It is understood he will not be the first witness for the defence. Instead, pathologist Theo Botha will be first up today - due to undisclosed "personal reasons".
When Pistorius takes the stand, it will be the first time he speaks publicly about what happened that night.
His testimony may take several days and he can expect a gruelling cross-examination from state prosecutor Gerrie Nel.
The prosecution has wrapped up its case and both sides have agreed to an extension of the trial until mid-May.
Just 18 of 107 possible witnesses were heard during the first three weeks of the trial, which is being held in Pretoria.
During the prosecution's case, the court heard about text messages Ms Steenkamp sent to Pistorius, in which she wrote: "I am sometimes scared of you."
An emotional message from Ms Steenkamp sent on January 27 last year accused Pistorius of picking on her "incessantly".
The Paralympian is accused of the premeditated murder of Ms Steenkamp, but says he mistook her for an intruder and shot her by mistake.
He is also accused of illegally possessing ammunition and two further counts related to shooting a gun in public in separate incidents prior to the killing.
The 27-year-old denies all the charges against him.

No comments:

Post a Comment