DAY 45: PROBATION OFFICER TAKES TO THE STAND Probation officer Annette Vergeer was the fourth defence witness to be called up to the stand on Day 45 of the Oscar Pistorius Trial. Reading out a probation report that she compiled based on the judgment handed down by Judge Masipa a month ago, she argued that Oscar should be placed under correctional supervision, possibly with a suspended sentence and strict community service. She argued that prisons are often overcrowded, not suited to the disabled and do not make it easy for prisoners to receive therapy. She added that prisons do not offer an environment for rehabilitation or reform. Furthermore, she said, Oscar’s disability would make him more vulnerable in a place that has no facilities that cater for the disabled. She said that based on Oscar’s circumstances, correctional supervision would allow him an opportunity to receive therapy and family support as well as generate an income. She said she does not believe that he is a danger to society or that it is in the interest of the public that he be sentenced to prison. She also believes that Oscar, a first time offender, will not commit a crime again and that she believes that he is remorseful.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:04:05 +0000
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