Oscar Pistorius Granted Bail

Oscar Pistorius was today released on bail after a magistrate ruled that he should not be locked up until his trial for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.

After an agonising hearing which lasted nearly two hours, Demond Nair concluded that the Paralympic superstar was not a flight risk and was unlikely to commit any further acts of violence if he was released from custody.

The 26-year-old athlete - dubbed Blade Runner due to his racing prostheses - bent his head and sobbed as he heard that he would go free. His family and supporters who had sat behind him throughout the four-day hearing shouted 'Yes'. Some also subsided in tears.

Pistorius's bail was set at one million rand (£73,822) including 100,000 RND (7,382) in cash. Conditions of his release include that he surrenders his passports and travel documents, does not visit his house where the model died and does not use any prohibited substances. He is also banned from drinking alcohol.