A psychologist has said South African athlete Oscar Pistorius is a ‘‘broken’‘ man who should be hospitalised rather than go to jail.
A psychologist has said South African athlete Oscar Pistorius is a ‘‘broken’‘ man who should be hospitalised rather than go to jail.
The 29-year-old Paralympic gold medallist is awaiting sentencing in Pretoria after he was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. He faces a minimum 15-years in prison.
Defence witness, clinical psychologist, Jonathan Scholtz said: “In layman’s terms one would describe him as broken. In my opinion his current condition warrants hospitalisation. Since the events of 2013, he becomes traumatised when he hears the sound of gunfire, even if it is part of a film he is watching.”
Scholtz also said the double-amputee was suffering from ‘major depression’
Pistorius’ sentence could be reduced due to time served and mitigating factors.
Reeva Steenkamp’s father Barry, could also take to the witness stand to ask the court to impose a lengthy sentence.
Pistorius says he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder when he fired four times through the door of his bedroom toilet.