Judgement handed down in Pistorius case

Oscar Pistorius cleared of murdering girlfriend

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been cleared of murder but could still be found guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide over the shooting death of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The double amputee, who shot Steenkamp dead through the bathroom door of his luxury home in February last year, wept as the verdict was delivered in the court in Pretoria on Thursday.

In summing up both the prosecution and defence cases over several hours, Judge Thokozile Masipa found the evidence for premeditated murder was "purely circumstantial".

However, she said the Olympian acted "too hastily" in firing the shots and that it was clear his conduct was negligent.

The case has been adjourned until later today.

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