Sentencing adjourned in Oscar Pistorius hearing

The long-awaited judgement for the trial of Oscar Pistorius regarding the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, is finally here and Oscar is looking likely to get community service and house arrest as Judge Masipa is warming up to the possibility.

The sentencing hearing, which started at about 7am Nigerian time, showed Pistorius looking well with a hint of tan holding a notebook and keys and looking much better than he has in the past – more awake, not groggy. Agent Peet van Zyl was sitting up at the front of the courtroom, looking like a potential witness in mitigation, and most likely too.

Pistorius was later joined by his brother, Carl, who was on crutches with two moonboots on his legs while Judge Masipa and her accessors were led into the courtroom by two heavily-armed police men.

The court proceeded into session almost immediately with Barry Roux calling on his first witness – Dr Lore Hartzenberg. Dr. Hartzenberg is the first witness and the athlete’s psychologist and for discretional purposes, wasn’t televised. The Defence is said to call four witnesses – one of which will be from correctional service, though the prosecution won’t be able to say how many at this stage.

The doctor continued with her testimony, saying that some sessions couldn’t be conducted because Oscar was weeping, with her holding him. Speaking on retching, emotional outbursts, perspiring – likely attempt by defence to give displays credence – Hartzenberg said Pistorius has not been able to reach acceptance, his remorse was unabated with extreme sorrow and devastation.

Hartzenberg said: “Oscar has been diagnosed with PTSD. Flashbacks will see the incident always live with him. I never once saw him lose his temper. I did however find him to be anxious, hyper vigilant, aware of safety. I can confirm his remorse and his pain to be genuine. We are left with a broken man who has lost everything. He has lost his moral and professional reputation. Friends, career.”

The court was adjourned for a brief break by 11: 15

It then resumed shortly after, with Nel asking whether Oscar had a new girlfriend, relying on a newspaper for this, thereby making a meal of the report that Oscar has a new love and moved on. Hartzenberg, however, was not giving anything away at all.

Nel prod on Hartzenberg for crying in court and getting emotional. “I cried once when he was required to take prosthetics off”. Nel jumped to his feet to object but Masipa says ‘sustained’ and Hartzenberg released.

The next witness was called up: Joel Maringa, a probation officer from Correctional Services. He was there to likely talk about capacity to deal with disability in prisons and as to if Oscar is a suitable candidate for correctional supervision. This would likely see him not go to jail. Reading through Oscar’s achievements – medal winner, brand ambassador. A stark reminder of where he has fallen from, he said: “Accused behaviour in general is acceptable but raises concerns about use of firearm.”

The correctional services official further recommended correctional supervision as a sentence for Oscar Pistorius. Maringa suggested house arrest also and community service for 16 hours a month to satisfy demand for retribution. He also suggested Oscar attends a negative emotions workshop, goes for trauma counselling and go on legal courses.

Another witness was Oscar’s agent Peet van Zyl, who returned to the witness standing, having given evidence during the trial. He was to testify about Oscar’s loss of contracts, sponsors, career etc. and also to tell the court about the good charity work Oscar did before the shooting as well as his foundation etc.

The court soon went into another lunch session after that.

The court resumed with Van Zyl still listing Oscar’s successes and charity work, saying his future was “bright” and potential contracts were substantial. He even emphasised the fact that by saying “bright” is an understatement about Pistorius’ future with contracts lined up and shared his post retirement plans.

“All contracts have been terminated. Some were waiting until after the verdict to terminate,” he said.

Van Zyl said he hadn’t discussed the future with Oscar, making this important to combat state’s suggestion that Oscar wants to compete.

Nel then asked for an adjournment because he’d been given documents to study. Roux added that he had one more witness.

Court was adjourned till Tuesday morning.