Verdict due in Pistorius murder trial

A judgement is expected on Thursday at the trial of Olympic and Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius for the murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

After 41 days of testimony and drama in the Pretoria High Court, judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver a verdict, which can range from convictions for premeditated murder to acquittal.

The prosecution says Pistorius deliberately shot Steenkamp in the early hours of Valentine’s Day, February 2013, after a heated row.

He has pleaded not guilty, saying he heard a noise coming from the bathroom and took his gun to investigate, fearing there was an intruder.

He also denies the couple had an argument that night.

If convicted of pre-meditated murder, Pistorius could face life in prison.

If he is cleared of murder, under South African law, the judge must then consider whether he is guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, a verdict which could carry a 15 year jail term.