A psychologist's report submitted at Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius' murder trial has revealed that the athlete has post-traumatic stress disorder and could be a suicide risk.
The report, which was read by Pistorius' defence lawyer, said that he was mourning his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
According to the BBC, on Monday the court had heard that Pistorius, who denies murder and says that he killed Steenkamp by mistake when fearing there was an intruder in the house, was not suffering from a mental disorder when he shot Steenkamp.
The prosecution said that the Olympic athlete deliberately killed Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, after the couple had an argument on Valentine's Day last year.
The prosecution on Monday reportedly noted that the psychiatrists' report said Pistorius was capable of distinguishing between right and wrong and so should bear criminal responsibility for his actions.
Defence lawyer Barry Roux on Wednesday quoted the second evaluation as saying that Pistorius, a double-amputee, has a history of feeling insecure and vulnerable, especially without his prosthetic legs.
The report said that Pistorius was likely to react more sharply to fear than an able-bodied person would.
Roux quoted the report as saying that should Pistorius not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risks for suicide.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)