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| Oscar in the court room |
A psychologist has told the court
that South African athlete Oscar Pistorius is a broken man who should not be
jailed.
This is coming as the murder trial
against Oscar Pistorius commences today. Oscar is facing trail for the murder
of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp,
The 29 year old athlete faces a minimum 15-year sentence in
a case that has prompted a fierce debate in South Africa, a country beset by
high levels of violent crime. Some rights groups say the 'white' athlete has
received preferential treatment and would have been punished severely if he
were black.
Pistorius appeared at today's
session most times with his hands on his head as the Psychologist said he has
been undergoing medication for depression, anxiety and insomnia.
According to the psychologist
Jonathan Scholtz:
"Since the offence he has
developed a serious psychiatric condition which has become worse over the past
two years - major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder."
"One would describe him as broken. In my opinion his
current condition warrants hospitalization," Scholtz told the hearing that
was attended by Steenkamp's mother.
"Since 2013, he becomes traumatized when he hears the
sound of gunfire," Scholtz said. "He never wants to touch a firearm
again."
Pistorius killed Ms Steenkamp in
February 2013 after firing four times through a locked toilet door.
The athlete has always maintained he
believed he was shooting at an intruder.
Oscar's trial will last through out
this week till Friday, when a sentence will be made.
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