Pistorius says he was 'deeply in love' with girlfriend

PRETORIA (REUTERS) - South African sports star Oscar Pistorius was "deeply in love" with his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, and had no intention to kill her, he said in an affidavit presented at a court bail hearing on Tuesday.

Pistorius has been charged with murdering Steenkamp last week at his home.

South African prosecutors on Tuesday told a bail hearing that Pistorius was guilty of "premeditated murder" in the Valentine's Day killing of his model girlfriend at his upscale home.

State advocate Gerrie Nel said Pistorius put on his prosthesis, walked seven metres and fired three shots through a locked bathroom door at girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Police said they would press a graver charge of premeditated murder against the 26-year-old Paralympian and Olympic athlete.

Pistorius' family says police evidence will show there should be no murder charge in the Valentine's Day shooting.

Pistorius, in a gray suit, blue shirt and tie appeared grim and solemn in court. He nodded after the chief magistrate asked if he was well.

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