The forensics expert called to testify for the defence of Oscar Pistorius about the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp has told the court "it would be nice" if he were actually an expert in firearms.
Forensic geologist Roger Dixon, who gave evidence about the death of Steenkamp, whom Pistorius claims to have shot after mistaking for an intruder in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, said: "It would be nice if I was a ballistics expert."
Dixon, who worked in a police forensics lab in Pretoria for 18 years, made the comment during a cross-examination by prosecutor Gerrie Nel, nicknamed "The Pit Bull" for his fierceness.
Oscar Pistorius' forensics expert said Reeva Steenkamp was shot as she fell to the ground
It followed a difficult day of testimony for Mr Dixon, as Mr Nel questioned whether he was qualified to testify. The prosecution claims Pistorius shot Steenkamp deliberately after they argued.
Nr Nel told him: "That's the problem with your evidence. You want to give the court a version in an area where you're not an expert."
Before giving evidence on Thursday, The Mirror reported that Mr Dixon posted to Facebook: "Third day in court today. Let's see how much of my credibility, integrity and professional reputation is destroyed."
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When Mr Nel asked Dixon about evidence that had come up earlier in the trial, Dixon replied he had been unaware of it as he had no TV or radio and did not read the newspapers, so he would not be influenced by "external factors".
On Wednesday, Dixon claimed Steenkamp was hit by four bullets as she fell to the ground, contradicting the prosecution's forensics expert who said she fell against a magazine rack after being hit by the first round when Pistorius fired three more shots through the toilet door, one of which missed, the BBC reported.
The trial will continue on May 5.