Oscar Pistorius faces being sent for psychological testing "in the interests of justice".
State prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued at the athlete’s murder trial in Pretoria today (13.05.14) that his mental health should be examined fully after a forensic psychiatrist gave evidence yesterday (12.05.14) to say he suffers from an anxiety disorder.
If Pistorius is found to suffer from a mental illness, he cannot be held criminally responsible for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp – who he has maintained he shot in the mistaken belief she was an intruder – and would be found not guilty by reason of "mental illness or intellectual disability", so the prosecutor argued it is important he should be sent for observation and applied to the court for referral.
However, the defence team said the application was premature and had "no merit".
The judge has adjourned the trial to consider the prosecution’s request and will announce her decision tomorrow (14.05.14) morning.
Mr. Nel also questioned the fact Dr. Merryl Vorster – who described Pistorius as a "distrusting and guarded" person who is "hyper-vigilant" about security in her testimony – was consulted and called to the stand only after the Paralympian had already given his evidence.
He said: "Can it not be seen as a fallback position.
"The timing of the witness being called and the timing of the consultations is important."
Oscar Pistorius faces psychological tests
