Pistorius trial – key points from day 36

A defence lawyer read extracts of a psychological report that said Oscar Pistorius was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and at risk of suicide during the 36th day of the Paralympic gold medallist’s murder trial.

– Defence lawyer Barry Roux attempted to show that Pistorius was remorseful after shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, reading from a psychological report on the athlete that documented his mental state.

“He currently suffers from a post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive disorder,” said Roux, “should he not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risks for suicide”.

– The defence successfully brought an application to stop the publication of the full report.

“I grant an order prohibiting publication of the contents of these exhibits apart from the findings that were put on record,” said Judge Thokozile Masipa.

– Prosecutor Gerrie Nel hammered Pistorius’s long-time manager Peet Van Zyl about whether he knew that the athlete had multiple angry outbursts and wanted to bring girlfriends other than Steenkamp overseas, casting doubt on the manager’s testimony.

“I can only testify to what I personally experienced with Mr Pistorius,” said Van Zyl.

– Medical expert and final defence witness Wayne Derman said Pistorius had increased anxiety and fear because of his disability.

“I found Mr Pistorius to be hyper-vigilant, particularly with him looking rapidly around the room and scanning,” said Derman.

– Derman cited academic studies which concluded that people with disabilities are more at risk of violent attacks than people without a disability, supporting the defence assertion Pistorius had a heightened sense of fear as a result of his double-amputation.