Psychologist: Oscar Pistorius is suffering from ‘major depression’
A psychologist has told the court that Oscar Pistorius is suffering from "major depression".
Dr Jonathan Scholtz, who is a witness for the defence at Pistorius’ sentencing hearing, told a South African court that the athlete is a "broken" man, in a bid to help the defence secure a lesser sentence for Pistorius after he was convicted of the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Dr Scholtz told the court: "Since the offence he has developed a serious psychiatric condition which has become worse over the past two years."
The psychologist went on to state that Pistorius has become nervous when hearing the sound of a gun being fired in a film and has sold all his weapons in a bid to stop himself from ever having to go near a firearm again.
Dr Scholtz suggested the 29-year-old sprint runner should undergo community service rather than go to jail and revealed Pistorius was offered a project manager job run by his uncle’s company, BBC News reports.
The original trial judge, Thokozile Masipa, has returned to hear the case from the prosecution – who claims Pistorius has showed no sign of remorse – and the defence this week whilst Steenkamp’s father Barry is thought to be gearing up to possibly testify later this week after a bout of ill health has kept him away from proceedings as of late.
Pistorius was released from prison in October 2014 after serving nearly 12 months in jail and is now residing at his uncle’s in Pretoria under house arrest.
