Police case challenged by Pistorius defence

Although the forensic and ballistic test results have still to be completed, he explained the angle of the shots – high on the door, not low down – indicated the accused had his prostheses on and was standing when he fired.

This is also contrary to what Mr Pistorius said in his affidavit. “It appeared to me that it was fired down,” he said. “I measured it against myself.”

A bloodied cricket bat has been the subject of much speculation since it was leaked the police had found one at the scene.

However, Det Botha confirmed the top panel of the bathroom door was broken and that parts of the door were found inside the bathroom. “We think now the bat was used to gain entry,” said Det Botha.

When asked whether he opposed Mr Pistorius getting bail Mr Botha said: “Yes, because he is a flight risk.” He added the man known as the Blade Runner, because of the prosthetic legs he uses to race, had the funds one would need to flee the country.

Defence inroads

The state did not have everything its own way, however, as Mr Pistorius’s defence appeared to make inroads when Barry Roux cross-examined Mr Botha about the police investigation.

Mr Roux maintained the witness lived up to 600m away from Mr Pistorius’s house in the Pretoria security complex where the incident occurred, and the only screaming he heard was from the distressed athlete.

After questioning Det Botha further on details in his investigation report, Mr Roux asked if his client’s version of events – that he thought there was an intruder in the house then realised it was his lover – could be accurate.

Mr Botha replied: “I can’t say because I have not seen all the forensic statements, but I would say the applicant’s version is consistent with the evidence.”

In addition, Mr Roux said an autopsy showed Ms Steenkamp’s bladder was empty, which was consistent with someone who had just relieved themselves.

Scream

The advocate then asked Mr Botha if the deceased would have locked herself in the bathroom after hearing Mr Pistorius scream there was an intruder.

“That is true,” he replied.

After another emotional day for Mr Pistorius, who appeared extremely distressed at times, he was remanded in custody by magistrate Desmond Nair who postponed proceedings to today. – (Additional reporting: Guardian service)