Prosecutors in Oscar Pistorius' murder trial have launched a tough first day of cross examination that, at some points, reduced the South African runner to tears.
The prosecution began its cross-examination Wednesday by pressing Pistorius to say he takes responsibility for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
He broke down in tears after lead prosecutor Gerrie Nel displayed a graphic picture of Steenkamp's bloodied head and told Pistorius to look at it.
"I know you don't want to because you don't want to take responsibility, but it's time that you look at it. Take responsibility for what you've done, Mr. Pistorius."
"My lady, I've taken responsibility by me waiting and not wanting to live my life, but waiting for my time on this stand to tell my story for the respect of Reeva and for myself, I've taken responsibility, but I will not look at a picture where I'm tormented by what I saw and felt that night. As I picked Reeva up, my fingers touched her head. I remember. I don't have to look at a picture, I was there."
The judge called for a break so that Pistorius could compose himself. Later in the day, Nel accused Pistorius of focusing on the implications of his answers.
"If I was sitting here and I wouldn't think of any implication of what I say it would be reckless, my life is on the line, of course I think of every single word that I say when I am sitting"
His comment prompted a harsh response of Nel.
"Reeva doesn't have a life anymore, because of what you've done, she's not alive anymore, so please listen to the questions and give us the truth and not think of implications for you, Mr. Pistorius"
Prosecutors say Pistorius intentionally shot Steenkamp at his home last year.
If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.
The athlete says he thought he was shooting an intruder when he fired shots through a locked backroom door.