INTRO: Proceedings on day 3 of the sentencing hearings in the trial of Paralynpic athlete Oscar Pistorius have been dominated by the reports of monthly payments and bulk settlements offered to the Steenkamp family by the athlete. Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter) for the shooting and killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February last year.
The court is hearing arguments this week in mitigation or aggravation of sentence.
But Defence Attorney Barry Roux today read out a statement from the Steenkamp family, clarifying facts around the payments. Roux said Pistorius paid the family about $600 per month for living expenses after their daughter, who financially supported them, died.
IN: "It was always ..."
OUT: "...attached to it"
DURATION: 32"
SOUND1: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1015oscarcourt1-ga-court.mp3
The statement read out by Defence attorney Barry Roux also stated that the legal team of the Steenkamp family approached the athlete's legal team for a settlement and that Pistorius had not voluntarily made an offer.
IN: "We place this ... ."
OUT: "...been rejected"
DURATION: 20"
Sentencing arguments continue on the Pretoria High Court.