No Mental Disorder: Report shown in Oscar Pistorius trial

A psychological report presented in court confirmed that Oscar Pistorius did not have mental disorder when he killed his girlfriend, Reeva.

12:01 30 June 2014

Oscar Pistorius’ defense team has previously argued in court that their client was suffering from anxiety disorder at the time of shooting that led to the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. However, a psychological report that was presented in court following an evaluation of his mental health confirms that the athlete did not have a mental disorder at the time of the incident. Both the prosecution and defence have accepted the results. 

 

Pistorius denies deliberately killing his girlfriend saying he accidentally shot her in a state of panic after mistaking her for an intruder. 

 

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel, reading from the psychologist report, said: "MrPistorius did not suffer from a mental illness or defect that would have rendered him criminally not responsible for the offence charged.”

 

If found guilty, MrPistorius could face life imprisonment. However, if he is acquitted of murder, the court might consider an alternative charge of culpable homicide, for which he could receive about 15 years in prison.