ADVERTISEMENT

South African runner removed his prosthetic legs in a sad court episode and here's why

Oscar Pistorius was asked by defence counsel to remove his prosthetic legs in court to prove his client deserves leniency.

Pistorius on day three of his sentencing removed the artificial limbs after being asked by Roux before uncomfortably walking to his lawyer to lean on a wooden sideboard, kneeling on a red cushion on the floor.

Mr. Roux after calling his client stressed that Pistorius was really embarrassed by the action of removing his prosthetic legs but understood it was important to do it.

Defence counsel Barry Roux then said:

“This is the person. It’s three o'clock in the morning. It's dark. He's on his stumps...not on his legs. He is not running around the track. He suffers from an anxiety disorder.

ADVERTISEMENT

"When he was on his stumps, his balance was seriously compromised and without anything he would not be able to defend himself.

"He was anxious, he was frightened and he was suffering from an anxiety disorder. This must all be seen in the context of his disability and the pervasive effect of the disability. When I look at him I think how rational can be.”

Barry Roux then indicated ‘no purpose’ will be served in jailing Oscar Pistorius and that he should be sentenced to community service. He however stressed that it is for the court to decide.

Gerrie Nel, state prosecutor however continues to stress that Oscar Pistorius should serve a minimum of 15 years saying:

“Undue sympathy is not an aspect that should be taken into consideration.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Oscar Pistorius is in court for shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home in Pretoria in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT