Oscar Pistorius

[mikey4444]

Apparently, the lady Judge at his trial could drone on all day and into tomorrow, before she eventually tells us what the verdict is ? Why doesn't she tell us know and then drone on ?

[Jomlett]

Masipa: There is no doubt that when the accused fired shots at the door he acted unlawfully.

[zebo]

Sorry, not meant as a frivolous comment re his disability, just realised how it looks!

[ummmm]

Made me laugh Zebo...

[Jomlett]

Pistorius not guilty of murder
Pistorius cannot be found guilty of murder. But a verdict of culpable homicide still possible.

Court adjourns for lunch.

[sp1814]

Sorry, I should have been more clearer earlier. I didn't think he could possibly be found guilty of pre-med murder, because there was no evidence that he planned ahead.

No history of violence in the relationship, I believe.

However, I don't think he will leave the court a free man.

[Jomlett]

The judge has said he deliberately fired the shots which killed his girlfriend so that must be culpable homicide.

[ladybirder]

It's got to be culpable homicide, surely? Onlookers and commentators are agreeing with Judge Masipa's verdict so far; she is being meticulous in her "droning on". OP looks as if he's going to combust.

[jno]

this isn't actually put on for entertainment, mikey. There must be some afternoon TV with less droning on it if you're looking for more excitement.

[ladybirder]

Finished for the day now but she has said he acted negligently! More tomorrow.

[Jomlett]

Masipa says Pistorius acted “too hastily and used excessive force … It is clear his conduct was negligent.”

And with that, court adjourns for the day.

[mikey4444]

Just got in and heard the news. The Lady Judge seems to have made a good job of this and was correct in finding him not guilty of premeditated murder. I await the 2nd verdict tomorrow...I still think she is milking it though.

[Kromovaracun]

I'm sure you've been asked this before Mikey, but what exactly do you think this judge owes you ("us")? I don't much care about the Pistorius trial, but honestly I find the somewhat entitled attitude of some members of the public quite distasteful. Neither the judge nor jury should give a toss what the wider world outside the courtroom thinks, and I find your expectation that they should quite confusing.

[ladybirder]

There is no jury Kromo. And I doubt Judge Masipa gives a toss about us here - the way it should be.

[mikey4444]

Kromo...this is being played on every media and news channel on the planet. I have an opinion on this and I expect you do as well, along with every other person who has posted today on here. So I am puzzled why you think I don't have the right to express my opinion ? Could it be perhaps that it doesn't coincide with your opinion ?

[Kromovaracun]

Actually, no, I don't have an opinion on the Pistorius trial. I haven't been following it. I don't watch news channels, or read newspapers - my main source on current affairs is the internet, and I normally choose not to read anything to do with Pistorius because I find it boring. Neither am I saying you don't have a right to an opinion. I am just questioning it.

You seem to think the judge should be pandering to her audience. I find that confusing and not a little distasteful (though please note that is not the same as saying you should not think or say it).

[mikey4444]

I accept your last sentence Kromo, so pax please !

Something you have said puzzles me though. You say you don't watch the news or read newspapers, but your "main source" of info on current affairs is the internet. If you choose not read about current events on news websites, like Reuters, the BBC, Sky, etc, etc, what is this "main source" on the 'net ?

[ladybirder]

Mikey I don't know whether you are aware but apparently although we should get the verdict today on the culpable homicide charge and 3 firearms charges, we will have to wait another few weeks for the sentences! Judge Masipa is now sitting and going through the firearms charges.

[janbee]

He HAS to be found guilty of manslaughter. Otherwise , what is the alternative? She tripped and fell onto the bullets? He admits he killed her, deliberately or accidentally is to be determined. I think he'll get a custodial sentence.

[ladybirder]

So do I Jan.
He's just been acquitted on firing a gun through sunroof of a car.

[mikey4444]

Ladybirder...I heard that on the BBC today. Now if that doesn't mean that the Court is "milking it" then I don't know what is. The Lady judge has had weeks to sort this out. I presume all this is costing the SA taxpayers millions of Rands to play out. Some sense of urgency wouldn't go amiss.