Pistorius’ ‘mental state’ request turned down

A woman’s surprise request to address the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on athlete Oscar Pistorius’ “mental state” was quickly turned down.

The woman, whose name was not immediately known, stood up today and asked to address the court when his bail hearing resumed.

She said she was an attorney and told Magistrate Desmond Nair she wanted to address the court on the athlete’s mental state, as it was a constitutional matter.

Nair turned her down, and said an application could be made at a later date.

Pistorius is charged with murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, which he denies.

» Follow @AdriaanBasson and @City_Press for updates from court.

- Sapa