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Oscar Pistorius Released From Prison, Lawyer Says

Pistorius Released From Prison: Reports
FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 file photo, Oscar Pistorius is escorted by police officers as he leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is to be released from jail Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 under house arrest. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)
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FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 file photo, Oscar Pistorius is escorted by police officers as he leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is to be released from jail Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 under house arrest. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)

Former athlete Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison, according to reports quoting his lawyer, a day earlier than expected.

The paralympian, who was found guilty over the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, was reportedly released into the care of his uncle, a year into his five year jail sentence.

He will serve the remainder of his term under a community-based corrections order, which places travel restrictions on him.

Criminal lawyer Dan Dadic told The Guardian it wasn't unusual for a South African prison term to be reduced on the grounds of good behavior after one-sixth of the sentence had been served.

“He’s not ‘out’ on parole -- he’s having his sentence converted to a house arrest sentence," Dadic said.

"He’s now confined to a house for a period. They’ll confine him essentially to what he would be doing in prison but in the confines of his own house.”

Correctional services minister Michael Masutha was reported in The Independent saying Pistorius would be compelled to see Steenkamp's family "if and when they agree to meet him".

During house arrest, Pistorius will continue to attend psychotherapy sessions, will not be able to keep any firearms and will not be able to come and go freely.

Steenkamp was shot early on Valentine's Day in 2013, while locked in the bathroom. Pistorius always maintained he thought it was an intruder, however, Steenkamp's family have repeatedly said they believed she was murdered.

Next month, however, the prosecution will try to overturn the verdict in South Africa’s Supreme Court, arguing that Pistorius fired his weapon with the intent to kill.

If the prosecution successfully overturns the verdict, Pistorius would face up to 15 years in prison.

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