Local News
GWStad trial: 'Boy needs evaluation for at least 5 years'─── SABRINA DEAN 16:14 Thu, 05 Jun 2014
Sabrina Dean
Kimberley - A forensic psychiatrist has recommended that the minor convicted of the Griekwastad triple murder needs psychological and psychiatric evaluation for at least the next five years.
Larissa Panieri-Peter is testifying during sentencing proceedings underway in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley.
A 17-year-old boy was earlier this year found guilty of the murders of Deon, Christel and Marthella Steenkamp on their farm Naauwhoek in April 2012. The minor was also convicted of one count of rape and defeating the ends of justice. OFM News' Sabrina Dean is there.
Panieri-Peter told the court she cannot see any symptoms of mental illness or disorder in the boy at present. She explained that in order to be considered a psychopath ones needs to score 30 or more out of 40 on the PCL, or psychopathic check list.
She says the boy, even scored according to a worst case scenario, only comes out at 14. She recommended it would be prudent to give time for psychiatric and psychological review of this case, saying it is likely any masked mental illness would declare itself within five years.
State Advocate Hannes Cloete has started his cross-examination of the witness.
Follow the trial at OFMNews9497
Sabrina Dean:
