Crying Pistorius apologises to slain girlfriend's family

By AFP

South Africa South African Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, flanked by his brother Carl R, attends his trial in Court in Pretoria on April 7, 2014. By Themba Hadebe PoolAFP

APR 7, 2014 LISTEN

South African Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius, flanked by his brother Carl (R), attends his trial in Court in Pretoria on April 7, 2014. By Themba Hadebe (Pool/AFP)

Pretoria (AFP) - An emotional Oscar Pistorius took the stand as a witness in his defence Monday, fighting through tears to apologise to the family of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp for killing her on Valentine's Day a year ago.

Pistorius, stammering and with his jaw trembling, began his testimony by saying Steenkamp "felt love" before he shot her dead in what prosecutors say was premeditated murder and he says was an accident.