Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison one year after being jailed for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. In what appeared to be a bid to avoid the media glare, he was driven to his uncle Arnold Pistorius' home under the cover of darkness of Monday – one day earlier than expected. The 28-year-old athlete he is to serve the rest of his five-year sentence under house arrest.
He will not be electronically tagged but will have restrictions placed on his movements. The parole restrictions relate to gun ownership and continued psychotherapy. Oscar may also be required to meet Reeva's family if and when they chose to do so.
His own relatives have said he is in poor physical condition and a return to his track career is unlikely.
Oscar shot dead the promising model and law student in the early hours of Valentine's Day, 2013, later telling the court that he had mistaken her for a burglar. In a long drawn out case that was televised he was found guilty of culpable homicide, similar in Britain to a manslaughter verdict.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer parents June and Barry Steenkamp have written to the parole board saying that ten months in prison for taking a life was "simply not enough".
"We fear that this will not send out the proper message and serve as the deterrent it should," the letter read in part. The couple added that they had forgiven Oscar, but said that a person found guilty of a crime must be held accountable.
Oscar does still face the possibility of a tougher sentence. In November, prosecutors will attempt to persuade the Supreme Court of Appeal that he should have been found guilty of murder – a conviction that carries a minimum of 15 years in prison.
