This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29624154
The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Oscar Pistorius trial: Sentence hearing resumes | Oscar Pistorius trial: Sentence hearing resumes |
(34 minutes later) | |
The pre-sentencing hearing over whether South African athlete Oscar Pistorius should be jailed for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp has resumed. | The pre-sentencing hearing over whether South African athlete Oscar Pistorius should be jailed for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp has resumed. |
The defence team will continue to make its case that prison would be an inappropriate punishment. | The defence team will continue to make its case that prison would be an inappropriate punishment. |
On Tuesday, the prosecution said Reeva Steenkamp's family had rejected an offer of "blood money" from Pistorius. | On Tuesday, the prosecution said Reeva Steenkamp's family had rejected an offer of "blood money" from Pistorius. |
The athlete was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Ms Steenkamp last month - but was cleared of murder. | The athlete was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Ms Steenkamp last month - but was cleared of murder. |
The sentencing hearing is expected to last several days, as the prosecution has yet to call any witnesses. | The sentencing hearing is expected to last several days, as the prosecution has yet to call any witnesses. |
The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Pretoria says the number of prosecution witnesses has yet to be confirmed. | The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Pretoria says the number of prosecution witnesses has yet to be confirmed. |
'Every cent' | 'Every cent' |
Wednesday's hearing began with prosecutor Gerrie Nel continuing to cross-examine social worker Annette Vergeer, a defence witness who on Tuesday said Pistorius should be placed under house arrest rather than sent to prison. | |
It was during this cross-examination on Tuesday that Pistorius's offer of a lump sum of 375,000 rand (£21,000; $34,000) to the Steenkamp family was revealed by Mr Nel. | |
He said Pistorius had raised the cash by selling his car, but that Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June, had rejected the offer. "She does not want blood money," he said. | He said Pistorius had raised the cash by selling his car, but that Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June, had rejected the offer. "She does not want blood money," he said. |
He highlighted separate monthly payments of 6,000 rand (£340; $540), which Pistorius had agreed to pay after being asked by the Steenkamps' lawyer because they were short of money after their daughter's death. | He highlighted separate monthly payments of 6,000 rand (£340; $540), which Pistorius had agreed to pay after being asked by the Steenkamps' lawyer because they were short of money after their daughter's death. |
Mr Nel said these funds - mentioned in Ms Vergeer's report - would be "paid back to the accused in full - every cent". | Mr Nel said these funds - mentioned in Ms Vergeer's report - would be "paid back to the accused in full - every cent". |
Mr Nel's questioning led to the Pistorius family accusing him of giving a distorted picture of the financial agreement with the Steenkamps. They said they would provide a full statement on Wednesday. | Mr Nel's questioning led to the Pistorius family accusing him of giving a distorted picture of the financial agreement with the Steenkamps. They said they would provide a full statement on Wednesday. |
Ms Vergeer - a probation officer paid for her defence work - said that Pistorius would be "a lot more vulnerable than the normal man" if he were sent to prison. | |
The Paralympic sprinter denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine's Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake. | The Paralympic sprinter denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine's Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake. |
He faces up to 15 years in jail after being found guilty of culpable homicide, although the judge may suspend the sentence or impose a fine. | He faces up to 15 years in jail after being found guilty of culpable homicide, although the judge may suspend the sentence or impose a fine. |
On Monday, a defence witness suggested that Pistorius should not be sent to prison but be sentenced to house arrest or community service. | On Monday, a defence witness suggested that Pistorius should not be sent to prison but be sentenced to house arrest or community service. |
Mr Nel described the suggestion as "shockingly inappropriate". | Mr Nel described the suggestion as "shockingly inappropriate". |
Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria. | Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria. |
Inside Oscar Pistorius's home | Inside Oscar Pistorius's home |
3D animation of the apartment | 3D animation of the apartment |