In South Africa, Oscar Pistorius's lawyers have accused police of deliberately discounting evidence that could help with the Olympic sprinter's defense. On the fourth day of the star athlete's bail application hearing, the investigating officer was cross-examined for several hours, as more alleged details emerged about the night Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead.

South African Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius appears on February 20, 2013, at the Magistrate Court in Pretoria.

At times he did sob. But Oscar Pistorius was more composed in court on Wednesday. And if the previous day was a setback in his application for bail, this one was a boost for the defense. The investigating officer Hilton Botha took the stand for several hours - as the prosecution's case for pre-meditation became more clear.

The key evidence an account from a witness - claiming they heard an argument late into the night. Mr. Botha also claimed testosterone was found on a bedroom cabinet. But as Barry Roux for the defense began his questioning, the witness crumbled. The drugs were herbal remedies, Mr. Roux confirmed - and the post-mortem showed the victim's bladder was empty, suggesting, he put to the court, that she had indeed gone to the toilet at 4am and had not, as the prosecution claim, been hiding.

Reporter: "At one point in questioning the defense lawyer asked the witness if there was anything in the investigation inconsistent with Mr. Pistorius's account of events. The investigating officer admitted there was not."

As court adjourned, no daily briefing from the Prosecuting Authority, but a thumbs up from the defendant's father. Friends were hopeful.

The hearing will now carry into Thursday - and probably longer. Any trial, though, could be some way off.

Mr Pistorius has returned to Brooklyn police station for another night in his cell. He'll no doubt be hoping tomorrow night could be his last.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)