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Friday 15 February 2013

Oscar Pistorius holds his head in his hands as he is formally charged with murdering his model girlfriend who 'was shot four times through bathroom door' at his home

Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius broke down in tears in court today as he was formally charged with the murder of his model girlfriend.
The Paralympic superstar held his head in his hands as one count of murder was read out to him in Pretoria Magistrates' Court this morning.
He did not enter a plea to the charge that he killed FHM cover girl Reeva Steenkamp, 29, in the early hours of Valentine's Day, but his family later said he disputed the allegation 'in the strongest terms'.
Prosecutors told the court they would argue that the murder was pre-meditated, an upgraded charge which carries a mandatory life term.
As they mentioned the word 'pre-meditated', Pistorius slumped forward and was seen breathing heavily through his hands.
The hearing came as a picture emerged of the weapon, believed to be a 9amm pistol, allegedly used in the killing. It was seen in a clear plastic bag being carried by a police officer.
According to media reports in South Africa this morning, security guards at the complex found Pistorius by Steenkamp's body in the bathroom after she had been shot four times through the door.

Too much to bear: Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius weeps in the dock as he is formally charged with the murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at Pretoria Magistrates' Court this morning
Too much to bear: Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius weeps in the dock as he is formally charged with the murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at Pretoria Magistrates' Court this morning
Charged: The 26-year-old is accused of killing of FHM cover girl Reeva Steenkamp, 29, whose name was officially revealed for the first time at the hearing, in the early hours of Valentine's Day
Charged: The 26-year-old is accused of killing of FHM cover girl Reeva Steenkamp, 29, whose name was officially revealed for the first time at the hearing, in the early hours of Valentine's Day
Overcome with emotion: The double amputee bows his head in his hands after prosecutors tell the court they may upgrade the charge to pre-meditated murder, an offence that carries a mandatory life term
Overcome with emotion: The double amputee bows his head in his hands after prosecutors tell the court they may upgrade the charge to pre-meditated murder, an offence that carries a mandatory life term
More than 100 people packed into Courtroom C, including dozens of photographers and videographers.
Pistorius's father Henke, brother Carl and sister Aimee gathered in court to support the athlete who arrived dressed in a grey suit and blue tie.
 
The celebrated runner began sobbing, covering his face with his hands, as the charge against him was read out.
Chief magistrate Desmond Nair told him: 'Take it easy. Come take a seat.'
The hearing came after a two-hour delay while Pistorius's lawyers objected to the scrum of local and international reporters packed into the courtroom.
Support: Pistorius's father, Henke, reaches out to his son after his emotional court appearance
Support: Pistorius's father, Henke, reaches out to his son after his emotional court appearance
Difficult time: Henke Pistorius talks to Pistorius's sister Aimee (right) during the court hearing
Difficult time: Henke Pistorius talks to Pistorius's sister Aimee (right) during the court hearing
Keeping in the loop: Henke Pistorius talks on a cellphone. The family later said Pistorius denied the charge in the 'strongest terms'
Keeping in the loop: Henke Pistorius talks on a cellphone. The family later said Pistorius denied the charge in the 'strongest terms'

THE VALENTINE'S DAY SPEECH MISS STEENKAMP NEVER GOT TO MAKE

Reeva Steenkamp was due to make a heartfelt Valentine's Day speech to schoolchildren just hours after she was gunned down at the Paralympian's home.
The FHM cover girl, 29, was expected to tell pupils that she had previously been in an abusive relationship.
She was due to reveal that it had been this relationship - and the resultant 'loss of self worth' - which prompted her to move to Johannesburg to rebuild her life.
In a somewhat cryptic message, she was due to warn the secondary school pupils in Johannesburg: 'No matter how many people say that they "love" you, if you do not love your person then you will never step outside of the physical you.
'The physical you can only do so much if your mental you is lost inside of all the confusion.'
She said it 'took some serious soul searching to remind myself of my value in this world.'
She said she enjoyed a 'blessed and privileged' upbringing on a small farm outside Cape Town, but later met a man who was abusive, which she suggests was caused because his 'mother was abusive to him'.
However, she does not reveal any further details.
She intended to finish her talk by telling them: 'Go home and tell your parents, siblings, neighbours that they are appreciated.
'You will go to bed with a happy heart and open mind for the future.'
Pistorius said nothing during the 40-minute hearing. Henke and Carl Pistorius sat directly behind him, occasionally leaning forward to give him a pat on the shoulder.
State prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the sportsman that he intends to argue that he took part in a 'premeditated murder'.
At this, Pistorius once again slumped forward with his head in his hands.
While, under South African law, there is only a charge of murder, anyone committed of a murder that has an element of pre-planning faces an automatic life sentence, unless the court can find an exceptional reason not to grant life.
If Pistorius is sent to prison for 'life', that, in a South African context, would mean that he will spend at least 25 years in prison. 
He would not be eligible for parole until he is 51.
His defence lawyer said the Paralympian is in a 'traumatised state of mind'.
A bail hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, with police expected to oppose the application.
The hearing was adjourned and Pistorius will be held at a local police station until his next court appearance.
Afterwards, his family and management company issued a statement, saying: 'Firstly, and most importantly, all our thoughts today must be with the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp.
'Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court here in Pretoria this morning formally charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
'The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms.
'Oscar Pistorius has made history as an Olympic and Paralympic sportsman and has been an inspiration to others the world over.
'He has made it very clear that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva.
'He would also like to express his thanks through us today for all the messages of support he has received - but as stated our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family, regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2278970/Oscar-Pistorius-breaks-tears-charged-count-murder-Reeva-Steenkamp.html#ixzz2L0ZLfYS0
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