Pistorius branded 'pathetic figure' by Reeva's mother in new book

Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius has been branded as a pathetic figure by his deceased girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp's mother in her new book.

Reeva's mother June Steenkamp opened up about her daughter's relationship with Pistorius, saying that she was unmoved by a public apology from the man who was trying to save his own skin.

Pistorius was jailed this week for five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva, but he could be out of prison in 10 months, The Daily Express.

In an extract from June's book, 'Reeva: A Mother's Story', she has described Pistorius, famously known as the Blade Runner, as a pathetic figure.

June said that Reeva's father Barry had to put tablets under his tongue if he got upset or angry during the trial to stop him having a heart attack. He feared he would die before Pistorius was brought to justice after suffering two strokes since Reeva died.

June's book extract reportedly focuses on the athlete's public apology during the televised trial. She wrote that it was an extraordinary moment, adding that one could cut the atmosphere in the courtroom with a knife: silence, but for the sound of journalists tapping on their screens.

June stated that it put her in an awkward position. She questioned why Pistorius decided to say sorry to her in a televised trial in front of the whole world, adding that she was unmoved by his apology.

June has claimed that Pistorius was in the box trying to save his own skin after he had killed her daughter and added that she was sitting in that courtroom wanting to hear the factual truth, not to see emotions cloud the truth.

Pistorius was also given a suspended three-year term for firing a gun in a crowded Johannesburg restaurant he was passed under the table, uncovering his obsession with firearms.

June's book is to be published on November 6, the report added.