DAY 42: OSCAR ACTED UNREASONABLY Judge Masipa, when referring to a verdict of culpable homicide, stated that Oscar Pistorius did not act as a reasonable man would have and killed Reeva Steenkamp negligently and violently. This occurred on Day 24 of the Oscar Pistorius Trial as Masipa read out her judgment on Count 1 - murder. The Judge took into account that Oscar was a disabled man who lived in a country with a high crime rate and added that while his background and history could explain his behaviour, they were not an excuse for his actions. She added that many disabled or vulnerable people also lived in a context of fear and crime but chose alternative means of dealing with threats, rather than using ammunition. She asked whether a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have foreseen the reasonable possibility that firing 4 shots would mean that the person behind the door would be struck and die as a result. She also asked whether a reasonable person would have taken steps to guard against this and replied “The answer is yes.” She said that Pistorius had acted too hastily and used excessive force and it was clear his conduct was negligent. Court is adjourned until tomorrow.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:57:55 +0000
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