“Not guilty my lady”: Oscar Pistorius pleads not guilty at murder trial

Oscar Pistorius has plead not guilty in the first day of his murder trial, a year after he shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Wearing a dark suit and tie, the athlete was surrounded by photographers and journalists as he made his way through the court lobby.

The hearing began with the murder charge being put to him. When asked by judge Thokozile Masipa how he pleaded he said: “Not guilty, my lady.”

He also pleaded not guilty to a series of firearms charges.

For much of the opening statement by defence counsel Barry Roux, Pistorius had his eyes closed and occasionally sighed.

Mr Roux told the court how Pistorius thought an intruder was in his bathroom when he shot Ms Steenkamp.

He also said Pistorius denied an allegation the pair had argued before the shooting.

Reading out the athlete’s statement he said: “I deny this allegation, and reiterate there is no justification for this incorrect allegation to have been made.”

The hearing was due to begin at 8am UK time, but did not begin until 9.35am due to problems with an interpreter.

Earlier, there was disruption in court as a woman known only as Anna Marie, who has attempted to intervene in previous hearings, turned up at court and was surrounded and asked to leave.

Sky’s Alex Crawford, who is in court, said the woman told reporters she knew Pistorius’ mother, and wanted to see the judge.

She also claims to be the ex-wife of the surgeon who amputated Pistorius’ legs as a baby.

In a landmark ruling, large parts of the case will be broadcast live by three remote-controlled cameras in court, but testimony given by Pistorius can not be shown.