Oscar Pistorius ‘snapped like an abused woman’ say defence, as it’s announced verdict will be given on September 11

Pistorius's Defence lawyers have taken to the stand today in a last chance bid to prove the athlete's innocence.

oscar-pistorius

by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Barry Roux, who has led the defence since the trial began in March, kicked off proceedings today by painting the picture of an 'anxious…fearful' man who had been formed over years of living with a serious disability.

OSCAR PISTORIUS BRANDED 'DECEITFUL' IN CLOSING SPEECHES

Pistorius winning gold before the tragedy
Pistorius winning gold before the tragedy

He went so far as to say that the runner 'snapped like an abused woman' on the night of Reeva Steenkamp's death, after the star believed intruders were in his bathroom.

He described the athlete's thought process as: 'I do not have legs, I cannot run away,' suggesting that due to this he would have an exaggerated fight response that led to him shoot when he perceived danger.

WHAT VERDICTS DOES OSCAR PISTORIUS FACE?

The defence have also tackled the exact state of Oscar and Reeva's relationship, which they maintain was 'loving' in the run up to her tragic death.

The closing statements given by the Defence and Prosecution have focused on a few key pieces of evidence, including the neighbour's testimony, why Pistorius said he fired without checking where Reeva was, and other details in his testimony.

PISTORIUS SUFFERS FROM AGORAPHOBIA AND SHOT GIRLFRIEND AS PART OF 'FIGHT OR FLIGHT' RESPONSE

Judge Masipa announced that she will now retire to consider her verdict, and will return on 11 September to give it.

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