Defence closes - Pistorius trial adjourned to August 7

Oscar Pistorius's defence team closed its case on the 39th day of the Blade Runner's trial for the alleged murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Before closing the defence’s case, Pistorius’s lawyer Barry Roux told the court that the defence had asked several witnesses to testify but that they had refused because they did not want their voices "broadcast across the world."

It was agreed that the state would submit its heads of arguments to Judge Thokozile Masipa on July 30 and the defence on August 4, with closing arguments to be heard on August 7 and 8.

Masipa also granted an order, requested by prosecutor Gerrie Nel, prohibiting the publication of either side's heads of argument before oral arguments are heard in court.

The trial will resume on August 7. - Tymon Smith