10 key moments in the trial

Oscar Pistorius: from Paralympian to accused killer

Pistorius murder trial: in pictures

Judge Thokozile Masipa rips apart prosecution case

Verdict 'blow to hope that South Africa had moved on'

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14.00 End of day summary

Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide - equivalent to manslaughter in British law - for killing Reeva Steenkamp. The ruling was based on the judge's finding that he used excessive force and was negligent in firing through the door. Crucially, the judge believed Pistorius's claim that he believed he was under attack from an intruder.

The culpable homicide charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years but no minimum sentence.

Judge Thokosile Masipa granted Pistorius bail, despite the state barrister arguing that he posed a flight risk now that he knew it was likely he would face a custodial sentence and had sold his house.

Pistorius was found not guilty of two of three firearms charges he faced, one of firing a pistol through the sunroof of a moving car, which carried a maximum five-year sentence, and the other for the possession of ammunition, which carried a maximum 15 year sentence.

He was found guilty of one of the three firearms charges, recklessly firing a gun in public at Tasha's Bistro in Cape Town. That charge could also carry up to five years.

The International Paralympic Committee issued a statement saying that Pistorius had "done a great deal for the Paralympic movement" and would be allowed to compete again.

South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said it was "disappointed" with the verdict: "We respect the court decision to convict the accused on culpable homicide, which is in fact a serious crime. We are, however, disappointed that we were not successful in securing a conviction on the original charge of premeditated murder."

Pistorius's friend Darren Fresco, who was involved in two of the firearms incidents, had his immunity from prosecution upheld.

That's all for the blog today. Pistorius returns to court on October 13 for mitigation arguments to begin, after which Judge Masipa will sentence him.

13.28 Pictures from court

Reeva Steenkamp's father Barry looks across the court at Pistorius. The Steenkamps have kept mostly quiet during the trial under the auspices of a media deal.

(Phill Megakoe/Reuters)

Oscar Pistorius leaves the High Court in Pretoria after begin found guilty of manslaughter and granted bail.

(Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images)

June Steenkamp holds cousin Kim Martin, right, as the judgment is handed down

(Alon Skuy/EPA)

13.00 Pistorius 'was an accident waiting to happen'

Pistorius's ex-girlfriend Sam Taylor, who was present during one of the firearms incidents he was charged with and testified as a character witness, has said the athlete was an "accident waiting to happen". Quotes from the interview paint a dim picture of the athlete and his temper.

I think his temper was very short, as soon as he got agitated it showed in his presence, everything got very dim almost. He would be angry or irritated, he would argue with people, he would shout at his friends or family.

I think any girl that's shouted at feels frightened but I knew the pressure he was under and I also know that if someone is angry you don't want to provoke them because that could only be a disaster.

He always needed to know where I was and who I was with and what I was doing. I didn't really go out much, knowing it would upset him and if he couldn't get a hold of me he would phone my friends or phone my family, so in that sense he was controlling about our relationship and me in general.

Someone who really loves speed and guns, boats, fast toys, motorbikes, there's always a risk and a very high adrenaline that comes with that.

Taylor's mother also spoke to the broadcaster:

I didn't think that he would harm her. I was terribly concerned about the cars and the speeding and I spoke to him a couple of times about that, I mean he was doing unbelievable speeds. In fact in the last conversation I ever had with him he phoned me one day and I said to him in that conversation that this couldn't carry on, something is going to go wrong and I said Samantha is not going to be part of it, she can't be part of it...I thought something would go wrong really soon, either with the car or the gun.

I didn't want to think that he could hurt her...but I heard him screaming at Samantha one day when he was on the phone, I heard him right from our corridor and I heard the most vile language and I ran into the room and said what is Oscar doing?

12.50 'Disagreement' over statement

There was disagreement in the Pistorius camp over that statement, Aislinn Laing tweets.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - I understand there was some disagreement among the Pistorius family and lawyers about whether he shd make this statement... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23OscarPistorius" target="_blank">#OscarPistorius</a></noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Brian Webber, Pistorius's solicitor, had told me there was "absolutely no way" the family would make a statement. Uncle Arnold said they wd.</noframe>

12.45 Pistorius uncle Arnold makes statement

Arnold Pistorius said that it would not be proper to comment on the merits of the case while it was ongoing, but he did say:

There are no victors in this. We as a family remain deeply affected by the tragedy incident. It won't being Reeva back but our hearts still go out to her family and friends. Aagainst this background, we don't wish to make any further statements.

The family declined to take questions.

12.34 State prosecutor says it is 'disappointed' with verdict

The National Prosecuting Authority has said it is disapppointed with the outcome of the trial. NPA spokesman Nathi Mncube tweeted:

<noframe>Twitter: Nathi Mncube - We respect the court decision to convict the accused on culpable homicide, which is in fact a serious crime</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Nathi Mncube - We are however, disappointed that we were not successful in securing a conviction on the original charge of premeditated murder</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Nathi Mncube - Further, NPA is satisfied with the manner in which the prosecution team prosecuted the case.</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Nathi Mncube - They displayed the highest degree of professionalism and their ethical conduct could not be faulted throughout the trial</noframe>

12.25 Pistorius's uncle will make a statement

Pistorius's uncle Arnold is repotedly due to make a statement to the press in the courtroom. Pistorius will not be there, he was bundled out of the High Court building and into a waiting car by security.

He ignored direct requests for comment from reporters before he left.

<noframe>Twitter: David Smith - Approached <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23Pistorius" target="_blank">#Pistorius</a> who stared down at his phone as if I wasn't there. Me: "Oscar, how do you feel about the verdict? Oscar? No?" Retreat.</noframe>

12.08 Pistorius walks free from court

With that Oscar Pistorius can leave the court and return to his uncle's house, where he has been staying since selling the house in which he shot Reeva Steenkamp.

He will return on 13 October for up to three days of mitigation arguments, before the judge will pass sentence at a later date.

He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years for the culpable homicide charge and five for the firearms charge, but reporters familiar with the South African legal system are suggesting he may avoid jail entirely because he's a first time offender, writes journlist Stephanie Findlay.

<noframe>Twitter: Stephanie Findlay - Reporters familiar with South African courts believe <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23Pistorius" target="_blank">#Pistorius</a> won't go to jail, partly because he's a 1st time offender</noframe>

12.03 Date for mitigation hearing set: October 13

Pistorius's lawyer has requested that the mitigation hearing - at which the prosecution and defence will make submissions to the judge before she passes sentence - will take place on 13 - 16 October.

State barrister Nel and Judge Masipa agree.

Masipa adds that she has "just thought of something", and asks Pistorius's laywer to speak to the athlete's uncle to make sure "there aren’t any further complications" when court resumes.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Pistorius looks at the judge steadily, a muscle flickering in his cheek. Barry Steenkamp sits with forearms on the bench in front resignedly</noframe>

11.54 Bail granted

Judge Masipa has decided that Oscar Pistorius can continue to stay out on bail until the mitigation hearing.

She is now recounting the statements presented by prosecution and defence in reference to bail.

Pistorius's barrister Barry Roux argued that Pistorius was previously on bail for a very serious charge of premeditated murder and did not attempt flight.

Prosecution lawyer Gerrie Nel argued that Pistorius thought previously that he may be acquitted but now knew he would probably go to prison, adding that Pistorius disposed of his properties, the possession of which were taken into account in the earlier bail hearing. Nel also cited an incident in a nightclub - allegedly a drunken brawl involving Pistorius - and said Pistorius may be a suicide risk.

11.44 IPC: Pistorius 'allowed to compete in future'

The International Paralympic Committee has said that Pistorius would be allowed to compete in its events in future, despite his conviction for culpable homicide.

Craig Spence, the IPC’s director of media and communications, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Oscar’s done a great deal for the Paralympic movement, he’s been an inspiration to millions, but obviously his priority now is to see [what] the judge decides. And then if he wishes to resume his athletics career then we wouldn’t step in his way, we would allow him to compete again in the future.”

IPC Chief Executive Xavier Gonzalez said Pistorius had been a “fundamental ambassador” for the Paralympic movement.

11.28 Pistorius is reportedly back in court

We're just waiting for the live video to restart.

<noframe>Twitter: David Smith - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23Pistorius" target="_blank">#Pistorius</a> standing in dock with hands in pockets. Uncle Arnold standing behind writing in a notebook; he's hinted there will be a statement</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Stephanie Findlay - Aimee Pistorius says a few kind words to a man supporting the Steenkamp family, the two sides have, for the most part, been amicable</noframe>

10.54 Summary of events so far today

• Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter. The ruling was based on the judge's finding that he used excessive force and was negligent in firing through the door. Crucially, the judge believed Pistorius's claim that he believed he was under attack from an intruder. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years bu tno minimum sentence.

• He was found not guilty of two of three firearms charges he faced, one of firing a pistol through the sunroof of a moving car, which carried a maximum five-year sentence, and the other for the possession of ammunition, which carried a maximum 15 year sentence.

• He was found guilty of one of the three firearms charges, recklessly firing a gun in public at Tasha's Bistro in Cape Town. That charge could also carry up to five years.

• Pistorius's friend Darren Fresco, who was involved in two of the firearms incidents, had his immunity from prosecution upheld.

• He is waiting to hear whether he will be allowed back out on bail.

10.35 BBC to broadcast interview with Steenkamps

The BBC has announced it will broadcast an interview with Reeva Steenkamp's parents in an upcoming documentary. The Steenkamps have mostly kept quiet during the trial. Arts Correspondent Hannah Furness has more:

The BBC has announced it will broadcast interviews with Reeva Steenkamp's parents, showing their "fight for justice" and "willingness to forgive".

The programme, entitled Oscar Pistorius: the Truth, will tell the story of Barry and June Steenkamp, with interviews conducted throughout the trial.

Steve Anderson, executive producer, said: “I believe we’ve managed to capture a poignant story thanks to the honesty and openness of Reeva’s parents.”

Oscar Pistorius: The Truth, will be broadcast on BBC Three on Monday, September 15 at 9pm.

The Steenkamps have signed a book deal with Little Brown. There's more on them here from Aislinn Laing.

10.21 Pistorius in cells for first time since last February

Pistorius is being held in a cell while the court awaits a bail decision.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Judge adjourns til 1230 to decide on bail. OP remains in the dock, ges up to speak to the custody officer. Technically his bail is expired</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Pistorius father Henke rushes over looking worried. Webber tells him "it's just for the break".First time he's seen the cells since last Feb</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Brian Webber tells me Pistorius's spell in the cells this lunchtime is "just a formality... nothing to be concerned about".</noframe>

10.20 Another loss for state prosecutors

More from my colleague Aislinn Laing on this latest in a series of big losses for the state.

Yesterday, South Africa's National Director of Public Prosecutions was in court but there's no sign of him today. Captain Mike van Aardt, the lead detective in the case, and General Vineshkumar Moonoo, the country's most senior detective put in charge of overseeing it, are doing their best to look upbeat, shaking hands with Pistorius's barrister Barry Roux but this must be an incredible blow for them.

It's also the latest in a series of big losses for the police and National Prosecution Authority here in South Africa - including the case of Anene Booysen, the Cape Town teenager gang raped and left for dead, in which the lead defendant was acquitted despite her naming him before she died.

Meanwhile Henke Pistorius, Oscar's father, has just hugged him - a first that we've seen as the two men have a strained relationship. He studiously refuses to speak to or even look at reporters behind him, not surprising really since the reaction to his comments to the Telegraph last year about how the family needed guns as the ANC didn't protect them from crime.

10.17 Barry Roux gives Pistorius's address

Somewhat surpisingly, Pistorius's lawyer Barry Roux just read out the full address of the athlete's uncle Arnold, with whom he is staying.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Muttering among the Pistorius family as Barry Roux gives uncle Arnold's street name and number as the place where Oscar is staying.</noframe>

10.02 Court resumes - lawyers argue over bail

Pistorius's lawyer Barry Roux argues that the athlete's bail should be continued. Pistorius sits passively. Roux says that Pistorius was previously on bail for a very serious charge of premeditated murder and did not attempt flight. Roux argues that there is therefore no reason not to continue to his bail.

Prosecution lawyer Gerrie Nel argues that Pistorius should not be granted bail.

Nel says Pistorius thought previously that he may be acquitted. Now he knows he will probably go to prison. He adds that he has disposed of his properties, the possession of which were taken into account in the earlier bail hearing.

Nel also cites an incident in a nightclub - allegedly a drunken brawl involving Pistorius - and says Pistorius may be a suicide risk.

10.00 Pistorius family reaction

My colleague Aislinn Laing watched as Pistorius and his family reacted to the verdicts.

During this short break, Pistorius has remained seated with his sister Aimee at his side, he head on his shoulder, arm round his waist, and later fiercely embraced by his uncle Arnold. His brother Carl, badly injured in a serious car crash last month, came to court yesterday but was back in hospital. "He's too weak but he was so determined to be here yesterday," a family member said.

As my colleague Harriet says, there was no sign of celebration on the Pistorius family benches. One member rejected the suggestion they were "satisfied" with the result.

They said the case was a puzzle of simple pieces, and the state had tried to jam them into the wrong slots.

"Who has won here? I don't understand the system. 40, 45 days and what has it achieved?" they said.

09.58 More from the courtroom

While we wait for the judge to return, here's more from Twitter on the scene in court.

<noframe>Twitter: lucy thornton - Oscar hugs his dad in a rare show of emotion between them. They have had a strained relationship <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23Pistorius" target="_blank">#Pistorius</a></noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Lisa Davies - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23OscarPistorius" target="_blank">#OscarPistorius</a> now in a huddle with his lawyers. Expect some sort of argument about bail. Lots of discussion, his uncle Arnold on the phone</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Jerome Starkey - Lawyers back from judge's chambers. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23OscarPistorius" target="_blank">#OscarPistorius</a>' team locked in conversation at the dock. State may oppose bail.</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Alex Crawford - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23PistoriusTrial" target="_blank">#PistoriusTrial</a> OP is talking to one of the court officials. He's got to know them quite well over the trial</noframe>

09.51 Judge will return with decision on bail

When Judge Masipa returns she will give her decision on whether Pistorius is entitled to bail and announce a date for the mitigation hearing, at which both the presecution and defence can make submisisons to the judge.

That will be followed by her sentencing, after which both sides are entitled to appeal.

09.50 State will appeal, say local lawyers

From Peta Thornycroft in Pretoria: Johannesburg lawyer Martin Hood believes Oscar Pistorius will walk free from court today.

Hood told a local television channel: "He is not going to serve a custodial sentence. As a first offender on the firearms charge, it is usual to be given a fine and a suspended sentence"

"She (Judge Masipa) has already said he was negligent that night, so for us lawyers, we must ask was it negligence that became legal intention, therefore was it a form of intention. We will have to look at her written judgement very, very carefully, and I believe (prosecutor) Gerrie Nel is looking at an appeal."

09.43 Possible sentence

The maximum sentence for culpable homicide in South African law is 15 years, but there is no minimum sentence. The maximum possible sentence for the firearms charge of which Pistorius is guilty is five years.

We are not expecting to hear a sentence handed down today, as both the defence and prosecution have the opportunity to make submissions to the judge before her she sentences the former Paralympian.

09.34 More from the courtroom

The judge has called for a five minute break. Here's more from the courtroom in the meantime.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Judge Masipa says "no one in infallible, not even lawyers". Arnold Pistorius emits a hollow laugh. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23OscarPistorius" target="_blank">#OscarPistorius</a></noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Steenkamp's best friend Gina Myers sits forward, holding her phone, tears running down her face. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23OscarPistorius" target="_blank">#OscarPistorius</a></noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: David Smith - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23Pistorius" target="_blank">#Pistorius</a> is hugged by uncle then rests his forehead against that of sister Aimee. Sombre expressions, not celebratory.</noframe>

<noframe>Twitter: Alex Crawford - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23PistoriusTrial" target="_blank">#PistoriusTrial</a> The runner and his sister Aimee hold hands and appear to be praying briefly</noframe>

09.31 Darren Fresco entitled to indemnity

The judge rules that Pistorius's friend, who was with him for both the public firearms incidents, is entitled to the indemnity he was offered in exchange for testifying.

There was some speculation about his position after the judge told the court she found him to be a "dishonest witness".

09.28 The scene in the courtroom

Harriet Alexander has details of the moment the culpable homicide verdict was read.

There was a sharp intake of breath in the courtroom as Judge Masipa asked Pistorius to stand.

He looked calm, but a little stunned. The verdict was as expected, following yesterday's hearing - guilty of culpable homicide.

Uncle Arnold, with whom Pistorius lives, looked increasingly relieved as the morning wore on. But there was no celebration from the Pistorius side.

Barry Steenkamp, Reeva's father, looked resigned but dismayed as he leant forward to hear the verdict. As Pistorius stood, he looked unflinchingly at him. What must be going through his mind.

Sentencing will be done at a later date - after mitigation and appeals.

09.22 Darren Fresco's indemnity

Judge Masipa adds that Pistorius's friend Darren Fresco is entitled to retain the indemnity he was offered in relation to count two, in exchange for testifying about firearms charges.

Whether he will have indemnity in relation to count three, the gun incident at Tasha's Bistro, is in question as the judge found his testimony "dishonest".

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - While we're dealing with Fresco poss prosecution, legal experts are debating whether Pistorius will be bailed until sentence. Looks likely.</noframe>

Pistorius in the dock, shortly before the verdicts were read (Alon Skuy/EPA)

09.19 Pistorius GUILTY of culpable homicide

Judge finds Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide - equivalent to manslughter in British law.

She recaps that he has been acquitted of the two murder charges.

He is guilty of discharging a pistol negligently in a public place, but acquitted on the two other firearms charges.

09.16 Still awaiting culpable homicide verdict

The judge has moved back to the firearms charges. Pistorius was found guilty of one of three of these charges.

Soon she will ask him to stand to hear formal verdicts.

<noframe>Twitter: Stephanie Findlay - The public gallery in the Pistorius courtroom is filled with the sniffles and shallow breathes of women crying from the Steenkamp side</noframe>

09.12 Issue of subjective foresight

Crucial to explaining her decision, Masipa is describing case law that warns against establishing "subjective foresight" to easily. Subjective foresight - that Oscar Pistorius himself, on that night, could have foreseen the consequences of firing through the door as the death of the person inside, is key to Pistorius's acquittal for murder.

09.08 Summary of all charges

Masipa is now making a summary of all charges, returning to the events of Valentine's Day 2013. She is reestablishing her earlier acquittals on the two murder charges.

<noframe>Twitter: Ruth Maclean - Myers girls - Reeva Steenkamp's friends - are crying incredulously as Judge Masipa agrees with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23OscarPistorius" target="_blank">#OscarPistorius</a>'s version</noframe>

09.07 Pistorius NOT GUILTY of ammuntion charge

Despite Pistorius's father's refusal to sign an affidavit admitting the ammunition was his, and the lack of evidence to corroborate the claim, Masipa finds that the state has failed to prove that Pistorius had the neccessary 'animus' (intent) in his possession of the ammunition.

09.05 Pistorius lacked intention to possess

Judge is establishing that Pistorius lacked neccessary legal intention to possess the ammunition, which he says belonged to his father.

09.01 Moving on to illegal ammunition charge

Judge Masipa is now setting out the evidence in the final firearms charge, the possession of .38 calibre ammunition, for which Pistorius did not have a licence.

This charge carries a possible 15-year sentence. Pistorius admits that he possessed the ammunition, but denies contravention of the law. Pistorius claims he was holding the ammunition for his father.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Judge Masipa moves onto the charge of illegal possession of ammunition. His father Henke sits forward in the public gallery.The ammo was his</noframe>

As she did yesterday, Masipa is moving a quite a clip. We are likely to see verdicts soon.

08.59 Pistorius guilty of count three firearm charge

Judge Masipa says Pistorius "should not have asked for a firearm in such a public place, let alone handle it".

This charge carries a possible sentence of five years. No minimum sentence.

08.55 Masipa: 'intention in this case is irrelevant'

Judge Masipa says that whether Pistorius has intention to pull the trigger in the restaurant is irrelevant, the important fact is that she finds Pistorius negligent in allowing the gun to be discharged in a public place.

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Masipa: "In my view, it really does not matter what caused the firearm to be discharged in determining whether the accused was negligent."</noframe>

08.50 Pistorius innocent of count two

Judge Masipa rules that the state has not provided enough evidence for her find Pistorius guilty of count two, which is that he fired his 9mm pistol from the sunroof of a moving car in 2012.

She moves on to count three, that Pistorius accidentally fired a pistol at a Cape Town restaurant in 2013. Pistorius allegedly asked Fresco to take the blame to avoid bad publicity.

Pistorius's lawyer has already admitted guilt for the firing of the weapon, but not for asking Fresco to take the blame.

08.45 Fresco 'a dishonest witness'

The judge has called Pistorius's friend Darren Fresco, who was with him during both firearms incidents, a "dishonest witness", but said she has only taken caution with his evidence rather than dismiss it.

<noframe>Twitter: Rebecca Davis - Darren Fresco's wife shakes her head ever so slightly as Judge Masipa describes Fresco as a "dishonest witness"</noframe>

Fresco is not simply a witness, he bargained for immunity based on his giving truthful testimony in court. As my colleague Aislinn Laing points out, the judge's remarks do not bode well for him

<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Bodes v ill for Fresco, who gave evidence under an agreement that he'd be given indemnity from prosecution on gun charges if he was truthful</noframe>

08.43 Culpable homicide verdict?

Some confusion over why the judge did not continue with her remarks on the culpable homicide charge. She was expected to quickly establish a verdict on this most serious of the remaining charges.

08.36 Count two - firing through the sunroof

Masipa is beginning with Count two, the charge that Pistorius discharged his 9mm pistol through his sunroof after being stopped speeding.

Masipa has to correct herself several times as she mixed up counts two and three, both relating to incidents of firing a gun in a public place.

Pistorius's friend Darren Fresco, who was with the athlete during both incidents. Fresco is in court.

Pistorius's former girlfriend Samantha Taylor was also in the car. Masipa is running through her's anbd Fresco's versions of events.

Pistorius denies the shooting the gun from the moving car, and claims that Fresco and Taylor are conspiring against him.

08.34 Judge Masipa is in court

Proceedings are now underway. The judge seems to be beginning with the firearms charges. See more detail on those below.

08.22 Follow tweets from the court

Once again Aislinn Laing and Harriet Alexander are at the High Court in Pretoria. You can follow them on Twitter @simmoa and @h_alexander.

Proceedings are due to get underway at 08.30. Judge Masipa seems to have little left to establish in terms of the conditions for a manslaughter verdict, so we may hear her decision fairly quickly.

08.05 Firearms charges

Attention will be on Judge Masipa's manslaughter verdict this morning but it's worth remembering he is also facing three charges relating to firearms.

Pistorius is accused of two counts of discharging a firearm in public - at Tasha's restaurant in Cape Town in January 2013 and through the sunroof of his car with then girlfriend Samantha Taylor and friend Darren Fresco on 30 November 2012.

He also faces a charge of illegal possession of ammunition. Pistorius was found to have .38 caliber bullets with no licence for that caliber.

The gun charges carry a maximum of five years each but the ammunition charge carries a possible 15 year sentence.

07.51 South African papers

Harriet Alexander has taken a look at this morning's papers in Pretoria.

Pretoria News had a photo of a sobbing, drooling athlete with his head bowed and eyes closed - and the headline "Oscar's great escape". They have spoken to an unnamed lawyer who said: "Oscar Pistorius can count himself flippen lucky."

The Times has the provocative headline "Oscar dodges bullet" and their report reads: "Oscar Pistorius is a liar - but not a cold-blooded murderer." The front-page photo shows Barry Steenkamp, Reeva's father, staring at Pistorius in court.

The New Age uses the same snotty photo as Pretoria News, with the headline "Tears of relief." Their montage also pictures Barry Roux, the defence lawyer, looking pleased with himself in the courtroom and a furious-looking Gerrie Nel, lead prosecutor.

"Crying Shame" is the headline of The Citizen - a paper which yesterday had as its front-page headline: "Jail him!" They list the judge's criticism of him: he was a poor witness, he was negligent in discharging his firearm, he acted too hastily and used excessive force, and he knew right from wrong when he fired.

The Sowetan reports that legal experts have expressed shock at the ruling, while The Star asks: "Will Oscar walk?"

07.45 Possible state appeal

Oscar Pistorius could yet be convicted of murder after South African legal experts suggested the state could have grounds for appeal, it has emerged. Rosa Prince reports:

Two law professors from Johannesburg’s University of Witwatersrand said Judge Thokozile Masipa may have made an error of law when she ruled that the Paralympian was not guilty of murder.

During a dramatic first day of summing up, Judge Masipa ruled that he had not committed murder because he had not known Miss Steenkamp was behind the bathroom door when he shot through it. He has claimed that he believed an intruder had broken into their house.

Experts have claimed Judge Thokozile Masipa could have made an error of law (AP)

But under the legal principle of dolus eventualis – Latin for indirect intent – the law professors argued that it did not matter who Pistorius thought was behind the door, and that the act constituted murder as long as he intended to kill whoever was there.

An error in law is the only possible ground for appeal under the South African legal system.

Professor Stephen Tuson told Bloomberg news: “'How can you shoot four bullets through a door and not foresee their death?

Full story:

Pistorius could yet be convicted of murder if state appeals, legal experts claim

07.30 Pistorius returns to face manslaughter verdict

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the verdict in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial.

Yesterday the Paralympian was cleared of premeditated murder and murder, but still awaits Judge Masipa's verdict on whether he is guilty of manslaughter - known as culpable homicide in South Africa.

He could receive a maximum 15 years' prison sentence. There is no minimum sentence.

The Telegraph's Aislinn Laing and Harriet Alexander in Pretoria wrap up yesterday's events, which saw Judge Masipa demolish large swathes of the prosecution's case:

Oscar Pistorius was a “poor and contradictory” witness, but the state’s case against him was based solely on circumstantial evidence and many of its witnesses were simply “wrong” in what they thought they heard the night Reeva Steenkamp died, the judge in the case ruled on Thursday.

Judge Thokozile Masipa, who tried the case without a jury, said prosecutors had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Pistorius intended to kill his girlfriend at his Pretoria home on Valentine’s Day last year.

Accompanied by frequent gasps in the packed courtroom, the judge took apart the state’s case that the Paralympic athlete shot Steenkamp after the couple had a passionate row.

The judge said argumentative phone messages between the pair “proved nothing”; she dismissed as “inconclusive” evidence that Steenkamp had eaten when Pistorius claimed they were asleep in bed; and she described witnesses’ claims of hearing “blood curdling” screams before the shots were fired as “unreliable”.