Oscar Pistorius Trial: Week 5, Tuesday 8 April 2014

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius will resume his testimony in the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday, after apologising to the family of Reeva Steenkamp.

On Monday, he told the court that he would never handle a firearm again. Pistorius is accused of premeditated murder after fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend at his Pretoria house 14 months ago.

The court adjourned early when Pistorius became tired and emotional. Pistorius has been very emotional as he first listened to defence witness, Professor Jan Botha, testifying about the gunshot wounds which Steenkamp had sustained before having to testify himself.
Pistorius is expected to testify for the rest of the week

Advocate Barry Roux for the defence asked him to tell the court about the events surrounding his mother’s death. Pistorius recounted how he was in boarding school never knowing she was sick.

He therefore arrived 10 minutes before her death at her side. He explained that she was a huge influence in his life as she taught him to stand up for himself.

Pistorius is expected to testify for the rest of the week, after which his defence will call at least another 12 witnesses.