Reeva cousin testifies at Pistorius hearing

A cousin of Reeva Steenkamp is testifying for the prosecution at Oscar Pistorius' sentencing hearing.

Kim Martin is the first family member of Pistorius' slain girlfriend to testify at the trial of the South African double-amputee Olympic athlete, who was found guilty last month of culpable homicide over her fatal shooting.

Pistorius, 27, faces up to 15 years in prison for shooting Ms Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013, although he could also receive a suspended jail sentence and a fine.

Ms Martin testified at the court in Pretoria that Ms Steenkamp was "the first baby I ever held" and "there was a very strong bond from a very young age".

Prosecutors have insisted that Pistorius should go to prison for shooting Ms Steenkamp, saying his actions have left a "broken family".

Pistorius' defence lawyers want a correctional supervision sentence which involves periods of house arrest.

The sentencing hearing, before Judge Thokozile Masipa, is expected to last up to a week.