Pistorius Throws Up During 'Graphic' Evidence

Oscar Pistorius has thrown up in court as details of the post-mortem examination of Reeva Steenkamp were read out.

A live video feed of the trial was cut while a pathologist gave "graphic" evidence of his examination.

Sky's Alex Crawford tweeted from court: "Oscar Pistorius is making regular loud retching noises and appears to be vomiting as details of post-mortem examination are read out."

She said a court official lifted a microphone away from Pistorius to "lessen the sound".

The judge repeatedly asked whether Pistorius is well enough to continue, and his lawyer Barry Roux said he wanted the evidence to carry on.

Pistorius' brother Carl left the courtroom, as Pistorius "hunched over, holding his ears, retching."

Sky's Martin Brunt said: "He's cut a pretty sorry figure in the dock. He's been retching quite loudly. Some of those watching a side view of him can see him being sick on occasion."

The cameras were cut following a request from the prosecution on behalf of pathologist Professor Gert Saayman.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said the move was needed to "respect the decency" of Ms Steenkamp and her family and friends.

:: Sky News' live coverage of the trial is under way, and a special highlights programme will be broadcast every weekday at 9.30pm.

He was backed by Mr Roux, who said: "We don't believe that the public interest is more important than this. This is our view."

Prof Saayman said live streaming would "go against the humanity of people".

Judge Thokozile Masipa agreed and ordered the live feed to be cut, and asked for tweets from the courtroom about evidence to stop.

But legal analyst Llewelyn Curlewis told Sky News the ruling should be reconsidered, adding it's up to the viewer to decide whether to watch or listen.

Brunt said the pathologist's evidence covered the three bullet wounds to Ms Steenkamp; to her head, right hip and right arm.

He said the Ranger branded bullets used were designed to "expand and mushroom" and cause substantial damage.

Prof Saayman said the head wound would have been incapacitating but added Ms Steenkamp may not have died straight away.

Earlier in the day a security guard finished giving his evidence.

Chief security guard Pieter Baba says Pistorius told him all was fine when he called after receiving reports from other residents that they had heard gunshots.

But Mr Roux insisted to him that it was Pistorius who phoned the security guard, rather than the other way round.

He said: "We have the proof that he called you first and you returned the call."

Mr Baba replied: "According to you, Mr Roux, Oscar Pistorius phoned me first. But I phoned him first.

"According to the data, it shows that he phoned me first but I phoned him first."

Ms Steenkamp was shot dead by Pistorius on Valentine's Day last year. The double-amputee says he thought she was an intruder.

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