Intro:

Latest pictures from the opening day of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa.

Script:

Its a trial that will be broadcast around the world and watched by millions. And inside this car was Oscar Pistorius the man at the centre of it, on his way to his murder trial, where he is accused of killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The legal teams, family members and spectators arrived at court shortly afterwards.

Camera technicians were making last minute checks on equipment which will provide live coverage from three in court cameras.

A steady rain meant umbrellas and awnings were a must for those waiting outside the court.

And the family of victim Reeva Steenkamp were some of the first to arrive.

Her mother, June Steenkamp was silent as she made her way through the metal detectors and turnstile in the lobby.

This will be the first time Mrs Steenkamp has seen Oscar Pistorius up close since the tragic events of last year. Her daughter died of gunshot wounds at the house she shared with Pistorius in Johannesburg.

The state says Pistorius intentionally killed Steenkamp by shooting her through a toilet door after an argument.

Pistorius denies murder and says he killed his girlfriend by mistake, believing there was a dangerous intruder on the other side.

Pistorius has plenty of support from his family with his aunt, sister and brother all present at the trial.

His mother died when he was a child and it is understood he has no close ties with his father.
Reeva Steenkamp's father suffered a stroke two weeks ago and will not be attending the trial.