7msports > Athletics Video > 'Jail would break Pistorius' - defence

'Jail would break Pistorius' - defence

Wednesday, October 15 2014 by SNTV
  • Intro:

    Oscar Pistorius is a 'broken man' who should be spared prison and allowed to resume his sporting career, a court hears on Monday, as the Paralympian's trial for the manslaughter of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp enters its final chapter.

    Script:

    UPSOUND (English) Annette Vergeer, social worker:

    "This is the opinion of the author that incarceration of the accused taking his physical disability and his emotional, psychological and psychiatric state into consideration, can only impact negatively and intensely on the person of the accused and in fact place him in danger. It will not assist him but break him as a person."

    UPSOUND (English) Annette Vergeer, social worker:

    "The accused will find it extremely difficult to walk on his stumps on cement and slippery floors. Informed about his current abilities, he also requires a rail in the shower to provide him with adequate support. This was not visible at previous visits to the prison's basic facilities. There are no baths, there are no private shower facilities and the exposure of the accused on his stumps to inmates will have a severe effect on him."

    SOUNDBITE (English) Gerrie Nel, prosecutor:

    "So disabled people should not be imprisoned?"

     (english) Annette Vergeer, social worker:

    "That is not what I said my lady. I know of disabled people in wheelchairs that are in prison. What I am trying to say is it is more difficult my lady, it can not be disputed."

    SOUNDBITE (English) Gerrie Nel, prosecutor:

    "But prison is difficult for anybody."

    UPSOUND (English) Annette Vergeer, social worker:

    "It is difficult but it is more difficult for a disabled person."

Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.