Oscar Pistorius’ ‘financial ability’ to pay for a second trial was ‘non-existent’. Photo: Getty Images
Oscar Pistorius has said he cannot afford a new trial over the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
In papers filed with South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, the former Paralympic athlete’s lawyer Barry Roux argued it would be too long and complex.
He said the first trial was subject to intense public scrutiny which would ‘contaminate and confuse’ the reliability and objectivity of another hearing.
Furthermore, Pistorius’ ‘financial ability’ to pay for a second trial was ‘non-existent’.
READ: Oscar Pistorius to be released from jail after serving 10 months.
Mr Roux said his client also faced the risk of double jeopardy in that he would be charged with murder again, on the same evidence, despite having been cleared of that allegation.
The papers were filed in response to the State’s argument that Pistorius should have been found guilty of murdering Ms Steenkamp and not the lesser charge of culpable homicide.
READ: How Reeva Steenkamp’s parents rejected Oscar Pistorius’ ‘blood money’.
Mr Roux argues the State is trying to attack Ms Masipa’s finding that Pistorius did not intend to kill Ms Steenkamp, and that it was not allowed to do this.
The Court of Appeal is expected to consider the matter in November 2015.
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