• Oscar Pistorius case

Pistorius granted bail

ESPN staff
February 22, 2013

Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail ahead of his trial for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.

After a week of arguments from defence lawyer Barry Roux and prosecutor Gerrie Nel, magistrate Desmond Nair - having reviewed defence and prosecution evidence - felt Pistorious should be granted bail.

Nair recalled the court after hearing final statements from both defence and prosecution and outlined both positions.

Prosecutors said they felt that the Paralympian had the "money, means and motive" to flee if he was given bail. But In reaching his conclusion, Nair stressed he did not feel Pistorius was a flight risk or a danger to others. He also did not think the prosecution had shown there would be public outrage if Pistorius were released on bail.

And when giving his decision and confirming Pistorius would be freed on bail, there were audible cheers from within the court.

After a short recess, Nair returned to outline bail and the conditions. Bail has been set at 1,000,000 rand (£73,750) - a cash amount of 100,000 rand to be deposited where the accused will be detained, plus a further 900,000 rand as a gurantee and surety.

Upon payment of the 100,000 rand he must be released with the following conditions:

- He appears in court on June 4, 2013 at 8.30am

- He surrenders all passports

- He refrains from applying for any passports

- He refrains from entering any airport

- He surrenders all firearms

- He refrains from possessing any firearms

- He refrains from talking to any witnesses for the prosecution

- He will have a probation officer and correctional official from the date of release until the conclusion of the case

- He shall inform the official all his movements and ask for permission for any journeys outside Pretoria

- He shall give them a phone number and must be contactable day and night

- He must not be charged with an offence of violence against women

- He must not use illegal substances or alcohol

- He must not return to his home and not make contact with any residents of his estate except one specific family

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