Rolling coverage as the defence presents its heads of argument to the court, insisting the athlete did not mean to kill Reeva Steenkamp
8.17am BST
If Masipa finds Pistorius guilty of *premeditated murder* that is, he knowingly intended to kill Steenkamp, or deliberately decided to kill an intruder he would face a mandatory life sentence. It would be 25 years before he would even be considered for parole.
The judge will also consider whether he is guilty of *murder without premeditation*: an intent to kill, but with no planning, in the heat of the moment. Sentencing for a guilty verdict here is at the judges discretion.
8.15am BST
Today sees the second day of closing arguments (heads of argument in South African law) on day 41 of the trial of *Oscar Pistorius* for the murder of *Reeva Steenkamp* at his home in Pretoria on 14 February last year.
It is the turn of the defence via lead counsel *Barry Roux* to present the summary of its case, before the judge gives an indication of when she will return with her verdict. There is no jury, though *Judge Thokozile Masipa* will be guided in her deliberations by two court assessors. You can read more about their role here.
He had lots of time for reflection. He made up his mind in the bedroom when he armed himself. That is pre-planning.
The court should have no difficulty in rejecting his full version of events, not only as not reasonably possibly true, but in essence as being absolutely devoid of any truth.
Its a snowball effect of lies. You tell one and it becomes too much. You just have to keep going and going.
Continue reading... Reported by guardian.co.uk 5 hours ago.
8.17am BST
If Masipa finds Pistorius guilty of *premeditated murder* that is, he knowingly intended to kill Steenkamp, or deliberately decided to kill an intruder he would face a mandatory life sentence. It would be 25 years before he would even be considered for parole.
The judge will also consider whether he is guilty of *murder without premeditation*: an intent to kill, but with no planning, in the heat of the moment. Sentencing for a guilty verdict here is at the judges discretion.
8.15am BST
Today sees the second day of closing arguments (heads of argument in South African law) on day 41 of the trial of *Oscar Pistorius* for the murder of *Reeva Steenkamp* at his home in Pretoria on 14 February last year.
It is the turn of the defence via lead counsel *Barry Roux* to present the summary of its case, before the judge gives an indication of when she will return with her verdict. There is no jury, though *Judge Thokozile Masipa* will be guided in her deliberations by two court assessors. You can read more about their role here.
He had lots of time for reflection. He made up his mind in the bedroom when he armed himself. That is pre-planning.
The court should have no difficulty in rejecting his full version of events, not only as not reasonably possibly true, but in essence as being absolutely devoid of any truth.
Its a snowball effect of lies. You tell one and it becomes too much. You just have to keep going and going.
Continue reading... Reported by guardian.co.uk 5 hours ago.