South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court for the first time since he was freed on bail over the killing of his girlfriend. After a brief hearing in Pretoria, the magistrate agreed to a request from the prosecution to postpone the hearing until August. Mr Pistorius shot Reeva Steenkamp through the bathroom door of his house in Pretoria on 14 February.
He denies committing murder, saying he mistook her for an intruder. 'Disgusted'
Mr Pistorius wore a grey suit and appeared composed as he arrived at court to meet a barrage of photographers and journalists. He was surrounded by his family and friends for the hearing.
He spoke only once, confirming "Yes, Your Honour" when asked if he understood the magistrate's
comments.
The BBC's Andrew Harding, who was in court, said this court appearance was very different to the last time when Mr Pistorius sobbed uncontrollably and was visibly emotional in the days following the killing.
The prosecution asked for the case to be postponed until 19 August so it could continue preparing its ballistics and forensics evidence. The adjournment was not opposed by the defence.
Our correspondent says it is likely that, once the prosecution presents its evidence in August, the defence will seek a delay so it can go through the documentation - meaning a trial is unlikely to start before next year.
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