Social worker says 'heartbroken' Pistorius was 'emotionally distressed' after shooting Reeva

A social worker has defended Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius in her testimony at the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, saying that the murder-accused athlete was 'emotionally distressed' and 'heartbroken' after shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day last year.

Pistorius, who is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, has denied guilt on all charges.

According to Sport24, Yvette van Schalkwyk, who claimed to have met the Blade Runner in police cells a day after he shot dead the South African model, said that she saw a 'heartbroken man' who was 'suffering emotionally', was 'in mourning' and was sorry for his 'loss'.

Van Schalkwyk also said that Pistorius spoke to her about the plans he had with Steenkamp for the future and about her parents and the suffering of her family, adding that she was upset by media reports suggesting that Pistorius was not sincere in his apologies and was faking tears and emotions.

Under cross-examination by the prosecution, Van Schalkwyk said she had never dealt with other accused people in a 'family murder case'.