Oscar bail decision after lunch

Oscar Pistorius stands in the dock ahead of court proceedings at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko

Oscar Pistorius stands in the dock ahead of court proceedings at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko

Published Feb 22, 2013

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Pretoria - The outcome of paralympian Oscar Pistorius' bail application was expected to be known after lunch on Friday at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.

Magistrate Desmond Nair adjourned proceedings until 2.30pm after hearing submissions from the State and his defence.

Pistorius has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last week.

He has denied murder in his affidavit, saying he thought an intruder was in the house when he fired his gun.

The evidence presented to the court was based on an initial report of the crime scene, and the point of the application was to determine whether he should get bail or not.

There was no testimony from Pistorius.

Before the court adjourned, his lawyer Barry Roux said Pistorius' actions after the shooting of Steenkamp were “probable”.

Explaining the “frantic moment” when he realised Steenkamp was not in bed after she was shot in the bathroom, Roux said it was “probable” that he ran downstairs to unlock the front door to let help in, after he had phoned the estate manager.

“These are the facts. There is nothing improbable about that,” he said.

Referring to the State's submission that he was a flight risk he said: “It's difficult for this man to disappear from this earth. It would be difficult for him to go through airport security.

“His legs need adjustment every month,” said Roux.

Every time he goes through an airport there is a commotion and “security bells go off”.

“It's far more difficult for a person in the position of the applicant with his known difficulties because he is easier to be identified.”

Nel turned down an offer to address the court again, saying he could go on “forever” in his argument opposing bail. - Sapa

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