Judge orders Pistorius to undergo daily psychiatric tests for month to assess 'mental state'

The presiding judge at the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius has reportedly ordered the Paralympic athlete to start daily tests at a psychiatric hospital in Pretoria for a month to assess his mental state when he killed his girlfriend. he prosecution had argued the tests were essential after forensic psychiatrist Merryll Vorster told the court in Pretoria the double amputee was 'a danger to society' as he was suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

According to the BBC, Judge Thokozile Masipa told the South African athlete to attend Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria as an outpatient for a month.

Masipa further said that four appointed psychiatrists would 'inquire into whether the accused by reason of mental illness or mental defect was at the time of the commission of the offence criminally responsible for the offence as charged'.

Masipa also said that the team would decide whether he was 'capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his act'.

The report mentioned that main treatments include using talking therapies, relaxation techniques and medication

Pistorius, who denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, could face life imprisonment if found guilty or could receive about 15 years in prison if he is acquitted of that charge, the report added.