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.

50calibre: With the way things are going, this guy would end up walking free. 4 shots into a bathroom and he says it was a mistake? OK

Women don't hear, out of the whole guys in SA, it's a guy with no legs she saw to date.

50calibre: With the way things are going, this guy would end up walking free. 4 shots into a bathroom and he says it was a mistake? OK

Women don't hear, out of the whole guys in SA, it's a guy with no legs she saw to date.

nyere84: He may set himself free because of his connections.

But, he will foreva be traumatized by the gals blood.

His conscience will neva set him free, in his hrt..., he will alwyz knw he is a murderer.

And, wat can be worst than not having peace of mind??

nyere84: He may set himself free because of his connections.

But, he will foreva be traumatized by the gals blood.

His conscience will neva set him free, in his hrt..., he will alwyz knw he is a murderer.

And, wat can be worst than not having peace of mind??

50calibre: With the way things are going, this guy would end up walking free. 4 shots into a bathroom and he says it was a mistake? OK

Women don't hear, out of the whole guys in SA, it's a guy with no legs she saw to date.

sagytarius™:

You can make ur points without the bolded. I can bet the a legless Pistorious can feed a fully legged 50calibre and family.

sagytarius™:

You can make ur points without the bolded. I can bet the a legless Pistorious can feed a fully legged 50calibre and family.

buoye1: Mr man,nt every 1 has a right conscience lik u.....so 4gt dt tin u r saying.

safarigirl: na oju kokoro tins. If you know what it's like to date arguably the most successful disabled track and field athlete in the world, you go understand. It is always advisable to tread with caution when dealing with disabled people, their tempers are deadly cos to an extent they feel deprived so they take it out on those they find 'privileged'. Unfortunately for the GF, there will be no next time for her....and her murderer will get off with a slap on the wrist.