Double amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius released from prison
South African Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison after serving nearly one year of a five-year sentence for culpable homicide, the country’s department of corrections announced Monday.
Pistorius, the first double amputee to compete alongside able-bodied athletes at the Olympics, was found guilty last year of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius will serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest at his uncle’s home, where he may be required do community service, take part in regular mental health checks and refrain from drinking alcohol.
Pistorius, 28, was originally charged with murder in the death of Steenkamp but he was convicted on the lesser charge of culpable homicide. The prosecution has filed an appeal with the country’s Supreme Court to have the conviction upgraded to murder, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years. The appeal will be heard on Nov. 3, according to the BBC.
After his conviction, the International Paralympic Committee banned Pistorius from competing until 2019.
- Dan Gartland
