A psychiatrist called by Oscar Pistorius’ defence team at his murder trial has told the court that she believes the double-amputee athlete has an “anxiety disorder”.
Dr Merryll Vorster told the court that events during his life, including the amputation of his lower legs as a baby and his late mother’s habit of sleeping with a gun under her pillow, contributed to his “increasing stress”.
Pistorius’ defence team said it would show his feelings of “vulnerability” contributed to him shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by mistake last year fearing she was an intruder hiding in a toilet cubicle at his home.
Prosecutors say that Pistorius killed Ms Steenkamp intentionally after an argument. The Olympian is charged with premeditated murder.
Dr Vorster told the court she had interviewed Pistorius and some of his family members and friends.