15 Apr 2014

Pistorius accused of changing evidence

10:31 pm on 15 April 2014

The prosecution in the murder trial of South African runner Oscar Pistorius has accused the athlete of tailoring evidence to back up his defence.

The trial was temporarily adjourned on Monday when Pistorious broke down while being cross-examined about what happened in the moments before he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on 14 February last year.

Chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel.

Chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel. Photo: AFP

The 27-year-old admits killing Ms Steenkamp on Valentine's Day, but says he fired his gun after mistaking her for an intruder.

The prosecution says the Olympic sprinter deliberately shot Ms Steenkamp, a model, after the couple had had an argument, the BBC reports.

Mr Pistorius told the court on Monday that he fired out of fear, but prosecutor Gerrie Nel accused him of changing his story from self-defence to saying he shot by accident.

The prosecutor said this was because the truth was: "You fired at Reeva."

"It's not true," Mr Pistorius replied, breaking into tears and prompting the court to briefly adjourn.

Mr Nel has suggested the South African athlete is using his emotions as an escape. "Now you trying to be emotional and it's not working," he said in court on Monday.