By Duncan Mackay

Oscar Pistorius in courtJune 3 - Oscar Pistorius's family have pledged to continue to support him as he prepares to appear in court again tomorrow on charges of murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.


South Africa's six-time Paralympic champion admits that he shot her on Valentine's Day but claims that he mistook her for a burglar. 

His court appearance in Pretoria is expected to last only a few minutes with a full trial scheduled for later this year.

"As a family we fully stand behind Oscar as he prepares to appear in Court this Tuesday," said Arnold Pistorius, the sprinter's uncle, in a statement. 

"We believe in him, love him and will support him every step of the way in what lies ahead.

Reeva Steenkamp blowing a kissOscar Pistorius denies murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

"We were shaken by the graphic images, leaked into the public domain this week, of the accident scene at Oscar's house.

"It has always been our plea that the legal process be allowed its run its course with integrity.

"The leaking of evidential material into the public domain, before the court case, does not advance this process.

"We continue to have great faith in the South African legal justice system and believe that Oscar's account of what happened on that terrible night in February will be borne out by the evidence that the defence team will lead in court."

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