Pretoria - The High Court in Pretoria began hearing murder accused paralympian Oscar Pistorius' appeal against his bail conditions at 10am on Thursday.
"The conditions amount to house arrest," Pistorius's advocate Barry Roux told Judge Bert Bam after proceedings began.
The conditions for Pistorius's release were set after his arrest for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14.
Pistorius, who was not required to be present for the application, has said he thought there was an intruder in the bathroom when he shot into it, killing Steenkamp.
Roux submitted on Thursday that Bam had the discretion to alter the conditions that Pistorius had issues with.
They related to the travel ban on the international athlete, a ban on alcohol and other prohibited substances, and that he not be charged with violence against women.
Pistorius also wanted clarity on when he could go to his home, the scene of the shooting at Silverwoods Estate in Pretoria.
Pistorius was not insensitive to the case, Roux continued.
"The court stated that it was a serious case. Of course it's a serious case," he said.
However, he submitted that the court should determine cases according to the facts.
He said the court was correct when saying Pistorius was not a flight risk.
Oscar Pistorius' lawyers had only accepted the travel conditions imposed on him in February because it was late and a Friday, the High Court in Pretoria heard.
“The disagreement was on travel, but because of it being late afternoon we agreed,” said advocate Barry Roux.
Thursday's appeal was to correct this.
Roux said the bail conditions imposed on Pistorius after he was charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp amounted to “house arrest” and were unwarranted.
Among the conditions they are appealing is that he hand in his passport, that he not apply for a new one, or travel documents, and that he not be in an international departure hall at an airport or other travel point.
These were unwarranted after he was found not to be a flight risk.
He said Pistorius did not have plans to travel, but regulated travel should be allowed.
“He's a well known athlete, has severed legs, the difficulty with his legs, the medical needs,” said Roux.
“He's well known around the world. Why would he go somewhere and hide? He's not going anywhere.
“We're not saying he wants to go have a holiday. It's just for income purposes. It's his sole source of income.
“Why stop him travelling under controlled circumstances... He has no desire to compete at the moment, but that could change,” said Roux.
“We don't ask for uncontrolled. We want it regulated.” - Sapa