Murder-accused Pistorius wins bail

Feb 22 2013

"Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail, a week after he shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead at his home.

After a four-day hearing in Pretoria, South Africa, the athlete broke down in tears as chief magistrate Desmond Nair agreed to release him on bail.

Pistorius, 26, is accused of murdering 29-year-old Steenkamp at his home last week but claims he shot her through a bathroom door thinking she was an intruder. Prosecutors say he intended to kill the model, and he has been charged with premeditated murder.

After nearly two hours describing the reasons for his decision, Mr Nair told the packed courtroom that he was granting bail until the next hearing on June 4.

He said there was no suggestion that Pistorius was a "flight risk", he did not appear to have a propensity to violence, and there was no evidence that he would interfere with witnesses.

He said the Olympian and Paralympian had "reached out" in a sworn affidavit describing what happened that night, telling the court: "I come to the conclusion that the accused has made a case to be released on bail."

Bail was fixed at one million rand (£73,822), including 100,000 rand (£7,382) in cash. Pistorius must surrender any firearms and his passport, cannot enter any international departure hall, and is banned from using any prohibited substance or alcohol. He must also report to police twice a week as part of his bail conditions.

Speaking on behalf of his family, the athlete's uncle Arnold told reporters: "We are relieved of the fact that Oscar got bail today. But at the same time we are in mourning for the death of Reeva with her family.

"We are also grateful for the magistrate for coming to the conclusion and for our legal team that has delivered extremely professional and legal statements that led to the decision of giving bail today. As the family, we know Oscar's version of what happened that tragic night and we know that that is the truth and that will prevail in the coming court case."

The star left the courthouse in a vehicle with blacked-out windows. Earlier, his coach, Ampie Louw, who described the athlete as "heartbroken", said he might resume training next week but will not compete.