However, text messages between the pair in the weeks leading up to the shooting painted a picture of a volatile, stormy relationship, with Steenkamp accusing Pistorius of continual jealousy and occasional outbursts of anger.

As police expert Francois Moller read out the messages to the court on day 14 of the trial, Pistorius sat in the dock, his head buried in his hands.

Moller said he had analyzed thousands of mobile phone messages sent between the couple and found 90 percent of them to be normal, often loving, interactions.

Prosecutors are seeking to prove Pistorius tried to kill Steenkamp deliberately by firing four rounds from a 9 mm pistol through a locked bathroom door after a heated argument.

The delays and extra expenses have forced Pistorius to sell the luxury Pretoria home in which he killed Steenkamp so he can pay his mounting legal fees.

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