VOA标准英语2014--Dramatic Testimony Highlights First Week of Pistorius Murder Trial

 

Dramatic Testimony¹ Highlights First Week of Pistorius Murder Trial 

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — The long-awaited murder trial of South African sprinter² Oscar Pistorius began this week, bringing with it drama and explosive testimony.

The first week of Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial has delivered as many twists and turns as the runner’s own dramatic life story.

The once-celebrated athlete, who grabbed the spotlight³ for being the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics, is fighting a murder charge for shooting dead his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, last year. He insists he mistook her for an intruder when he shot her through a locked bathroom door.

Judge Thokozile Masipa will decide his fate along with two assessors, both of whom have legal training and who will help guide her judgment⁴.

Witnesses gave dramatic testimony that they heard screams and what they took to be gunshots from the athlete’s home on that fateful night.

“Just after I heard screams, my lady, I heard four shots. It was four gunshots that I heard," said Michelle Burger, a witness. "It was very traumatic for me. You could hear that it was blood-curdling screams. It leaves you cold. You can’t translate it, the anxiousness in her voice.”

Pistorius has remained calm through most of the proceedings⁵, and has been supported by his close-knit family.

Steenkamp’s mother, June Steenkamp, also attended the first day of the trial, and told British broadcaster ITV that Pistorius refused to return her intense gaze.

Some experts predict the trial could take months.

 

Oscar Pistorius is no stranger to obstacles, but this is the biggest fight of his life.

1 testimony   

n.证词；见证，证明

参考例句：

• The testimony given by him is dubious.他所作的证据是可疑的。
• He was called in to bear testimony to what the police officer said.他被传入为警官所说的话作证。

2 sprinter   

n.短跑运动员，短距离全速奔跑者

参考例句：

• He is more a sprinter than a swimmer. 他是短跑健将，而不是游泳选手。 来自辞典例句
• The sprinter himself thinks he can run the race at 9.4 seconds. 这位短跑运动员自认为可以用9.4秒跑完比赛。 来自互联网

3 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

4 judgment   

n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见

参考例句：

• The chairman flatters himself on his judgment of people.主席自认为他审视人比别人高明。
• He's a man of excellent judgment.他眼力过人。

5 proceedings   

n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报

参考例句：

• He was released on bail pending committal proceedings. 他交保获释正在候审。
• to initiate legal proceedings against sb 对某人提起诉讼