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World News

Pistorius places future "in the hands of God"

Called by defence lawyers in the South African capital Pretoria, clinical psychologist Prof Jonathan Scholtz said Pistorius was "quite ill" and struggled with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Prof Scholtz evaluated Pistorius in 2014, during his murder trial, and again in May this year.

Phill Magakoe, Pool Photo via AP

The paralympian is facing at least 15 years in prison for murdering Reeva Steenkamp after his manslaughter conviction was upgraded.

"Mr. Pistorius's condition has worsened since 2014," Prof Scholtz testified.

He said Pistorius was now "despondent and lethargic, disinvested, and leaves his future in the hands of God".

The clinical psychologist said he did not think Pistorius would be able to testify at the sentencing hearings for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp because of his psychological problems.

Pistorius's lawyers are arguing for some leniency from a judge when she decides his sentence.

Phill Magakoe, Pool Photo via AP

South Africa has a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for murder, although a judge can reduce that in some circumstances.

Pistorius was initially sentenced to five years in prison - and served one year before being moved to house arrest - after being found guilty in 2014 of manslaughter for Steenkamp's 2013 killing.

That ruling was overturned by South Africa's Supreme Court last year and Pistorius was convicted of murder.

Judge Thokozile Masipa, the judge who initially acquitted Pistorius of murder at his trial, is presiding over the sentencing hearings and will decide his new sentence.

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