Sobbing ... Oscar Pistorius breaks down in court
Published: 3 hrs ago
BLADE Runner Oscar Pistorius broke down in tears as he appeared in court today accused of murdering his girlfriend at his exclusive South African home.
The celebrated runner began sobbing, covering his face with his hands, as the charge against him was read out.
South African prosecutors charged Pistorius accusing the track star of premeditated murder meaning a potential life sentence.
But after the hearing, his agent said "the alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms."
Covered ... Oscar Pistorius leaves police station
On entering the court, chief magistrate Desmond Nair told him: “Take it easy. Come take a seat.”
Pistorius sat with his head bowed when he was brought before magistrates this morning, charged with one count of murder.
He attempted to obscure his identity, covering his face with a notepad as he was driven into the precincts.
Sobs ... runner in court
The hearing came after a two-hour delay while Pistorius’s lawyers objected to the scrum of local and international reporters packed into the courtroom.
Pistorius’s father Henke, brother Carl and sister Aimee gathered in court to support the athlete who arrived dressed in a grey suit and blue tie.
Dock ... Pistorius was emotional during hearing
The hearing was adjourned and Pistorius will be held at a local police station until his next court appearance.
The gold medal winner, known as the Blade Runner for his prosthetic legs, had earlier left a police station hiding his face with a jacket covering his head.
Victim ... Reeva Steenkamp
GALLOIMAGES.CO.ZA / FHM SA
His hearing before magistrates took place this morning after he was swept into court amid a media frenzy.
Pistorius was hidden in the back of a police car which had its windows blocked with paper.
Pistorius, 26, was arrested yesterday over the killing of Reeva Steenkamp, 30, who had been shot in the head and upper body.
His agent said following the hearing: "Firstly, and most importantly, all our thoughts today must be with the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp.
"Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court here in Pretoria this morning formally charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms.
"These are now live and active legal proceedings which must be allowed to take their course through the process of proper investigation by the police, evidence-gathering and through the local South African judicial system.
"In a short hearing lawyers representing the athlete asked for a postponement for a bail application until Tuesday next week to allow time for their own investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy, which was agreed by the Magistrate, who also agreed that Pistorius would be held in custody at a local police station.
"Oscar Pistorius has made history as an Olympic and Paralympic sportsman and has been an inspiration to others the world over.
"He has made it very clear that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva. He would also like to express his thanks through us today for all the messages of support he has received - but as stated our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family - regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy.
"We will endeavour to issue other statements as matters develop but in these circumstances I am sure you appreciate it is very difficult to answer any more specific questions. Thank you very much for your attention."
A 9mm pistol was recovered at Pistorius's home yesterday, according to unconfirmed reports, four shots were fired.
Initial reports suggested the model might have been mistaken for a burglar, but Brigadier Denise Beukes later said police were “very surprised” by that suggestion, adding: “These allegations did not come from us.”
Charged ... Oscar Pistorius with Reeva Steenkamp last November
The athlete allegedly shot his girlfriend through a bathroom door, the Beeld newspaper reported.
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale told the South African Press Association: “Paramedics declared the woman dead on the scene and police proceeded with their investigation.
Held ... Pistorius will have bail hearing on Tuesday
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There had been previous incidents of a “domestic nature” at the property on the exclusive, gated Silver Lakes Golf Estate in the South African capital Pretoria, she added.
Weapon ... a police officer holds a gun believed to have been taken from Oscar Pistorius's home
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4796723/oscar-pistorius-faces-court-over-shooting-of-reeva-steenkamp.html#ixzz2KyR4IsLo
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