Oscar Pistorius’ lawyers argue he should be hospitalized not jailed for murdering girlfriend

Sentencing for double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius began on Monday with a clinical psychologist testifying for the defense that the athlete should be hospitalized rather than jailed because he is “quite ill.”

The Associated Press noted that Pistorius’ attorneys called Prof. Jonathan Scholtz to the stand to explain to the court how the Paralympian’s condition has changed over the last two years.

"Mr. Pistorius' condition has worsened since 2014," Scholtz testified. He also said Pistorius still struggles with depression and has become "despondent and lethargic.”

The prosecution countered those claims by bringing up an instance in which they said Pistorius showed aggressive behavior towards a witness outside the courtroom.

The former track star was cleared of premeditated murder but found guilty of culpable homicide after fatally shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through a bathroom door in 2013. However, in 2015, the South Africa Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the conviction to murder.

The hearing will continue through most the week and Pistorius will likely learn his fate by Friday. He is facing 15 years in prison.

 

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