Pistorius case adjourned until August

After a brief hearing at Pretoria Magistrates Court, Judge Daniel Thulare has agreed to postpone the trial of South African athlete Oscar Pistorius until August.

In a move that was not opposed by the defence, the prosecution requested that the trial be delayed until August 19^th to allow them enough time to fully prepare their forensic evidence.

The prosecution have accused Mr Pistorius of the pre-meditated murder of Reeva Steenkamp, alleging that he deliberately shot her with the intention to kill. Mr Pistorius denies these accusations, maintaining that he shot Miss Steenkamp through his bathroom door accidentally after mistaking her for an intruder.

Mr Pistorius was said to have remained calm throughout the ten minute hearing, speaking only to answer “Yes, your honour” when asked if he understood the conditions of his bail. The hearing was the athlete’s first formal public appearance after his release on bail back in February 2013.

Judge Daniel Thulare has spoken out against the media coverage of the case that has left the Pistorius family “shaken” after leaked photos were shown by media outlets, which portrayed in graphic detail the bathroom where Ms Steenkamp was killed. The images, published by Sky News, reportedly show blood splattered walls and pools of blood on the floor. Police are investigating the leak and are said to be “disgusted” by these photographs being shown to members of the public by the media.

Judge Thulare condemned these “scandalising, contemptuous actions” saying that “It appears there is a trial by media” before urging those in journalism to “preserve the sanctity of the foundations of justice” warning that some of the photos may be in contempt of court.

Mr Pistorius has been staying with his family since being released on bail, his uncle Arnold Pistorius told ENCA, a local broadcaster that “He’s battling, but with his family behind him, with his sister living in the same house as he lives at Aimee. They assist him a lot, and we are preparing him.”       

Molly Kersey