Oscar Pistorius will be out of jail and at home by August

Oscar Pistorius will serve no more than a further 74 days in prison: according to ENCA News he is due to be released on probation by August 21 following a recommendation from South Africa's correctional services department.

Charged with the culpable homicide – manslaughter – of his 29-year-old girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, the Olympic athlete was jailed for five years in 2014 following a high-profile six-month trial. 

Reeva died in February 2013 at Pistorius's home. She was shot several times by her boyfriend. He has always maintained that he believed at the time of her death that she was an intruder. 

A state appeal against his acquittal on murder charges is already underway, but it is likely that that won't be before the courts until November. If successful, the so-called Blade Runner could be locked up for life.

Reacting to the news, Reeva's family said the athlete's ten months in prison is "simply not enough".

They added: "We have forgiven Mr Pistorius even though he took the life of our precious daughter Reeva.

 

"Our lives will never be the same again as live with the sadness of her death every day.

"Reeva had so much to offer this world and we were all robbed of her life when she was killed."

The statement continued: "A person found guilty of a crime must be held accountable for their actions… incarceration of ten months for taking a life is simply not enough."

Born with fibular hemimelia, both of Pistorius's legs were amputated below the knee shortly before his first birthday.

At the 2012 Olympics in London, the 28-year-old became the first athlete with both legs amputated to participate in the Olympic Games, running in the 400-metre race and the 4X400 metre relay.

Under South African law he is eligible for release under "correctional supervision" having served a sixth of his sentence. It is likely that from August he will then serve an extended period under house-arrest.