Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Blade Runner trial: 'I was heartbroken' insists Pistorius on finding Reeva

PARALYMPIAN Oscar Pistorius recalled the "heartbreaking" memory of finding the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp today, as his testimony ends.
Oscar Pistorius, South Africa, trial, Reeva Steenkamp, high court, Pretoria, testimonyOFF THE STAND: Oscar Pistorius closed his testimony today [REX]
Pistorius, 27, is accused of shooting Ms Steenkamp, 29, four times though the toilet door of his South African home on Valentine's Day last year.
He insists he mistook Ms Steenkamp for an intruder, but prosecutor Gerrie Nel accuses Pistorius of deliberately shooting his model girlfriend after talking to her.
"Your sole purpose in arming yourself was to kill her," said Mr Nel, locally known as the "pit bull prosecutor".
Oscar Pistorius, South Africa, trial, Reeva Steenkamp, high court, Pretoria, testimony, Gerrie NelPITBULL: Prosecutor Gerrie Nel was ruthless in his cross-examination [REUTERS]
“I was heartbroken, overcome by sadness”
Oscar Pistorius
Pistorius's voice was high and quavering as he recounted finding Ms Steenkamp's body, breaking down the locked toilet door with a cricket bat.
He told the court in Pretoria: "I was screaming out and the more desperate I got because I couldn't get into the toilet.
"I was overcome with terror and despair."
He said he did not scream upon seeing the body of Ms Steenkamp.
When asked why, he told the court: "I was heartbroken, overcome by sadness."
Oscar Pistorius, South Africa, trial, Reeva Steenkamp, high court, Pretoria, testimony, Aimee PistoriusTEARFUL: Pistorius' sister Aimee teared up during testimony today [REUTERS]
As the cross examination ended, Pistorius looked strangely calm, having broken down multiple times throughout his time on the stand.
However, Pistorius's sister Aimee was left in tears by today's events, comforted by her uncle Arnold and aunt Lois.
Before he left the stand, Pistorius was asked by defence lawyer Barry Roux to read out a Valentine's Day card that Ms Steenkamp had intended to give to Pistorius.
With Pistorius reading in a near-monotone voice, he said: "Roses are red, violets are blue, I think this is a good time to say I love you."
Oscar Pistorius, South Africa, trial, Reeva Steenkamp, high court, Pretoria, testimony, evidenceEVIDENCE: How the toilet door was broken into was a major focus [REUTERS]
The defence has now called forensic geologist Rodger Dixon to the stand to talk about the technical aspects of the crime scene.
Unlike Pistorius, Mr Dixon has agreed to be televised giving evidence.
In South African court there is no jury. Two lawyers or ex-magistrates assist the Judge on significant cases The trial continues.

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