Image via local10.com
Paralympic and Olympic icon Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail after being charged with premeditated murder early this week.
The South African, 26, shot his girlfriend 4 times this time last week. However, the defense argued that it was an accident, claiming to have mistook his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, for an intruder during the night.
The Magistrate Desmond Nair believed that Pistorius would not flee if released on bail, and did not possess a violent character.
Pistorius will have to wait until June 4th for the next hearing, with the trial and his outcome of the charge yet to be discussed.
The double-amputee will not be allowed to leave Pretoria, the area of his home, without permission. Nair also stated that Pistorius would have to surrender all fire-arms and be banned from drugs and alcohol. In addition, Pistorius will be in close connection with police and the relevant court associates to make sure he acts in line and has no contact with witness from the bail hearing.
But despite the bail grant, things do initially look rather bleak for Pistorius with the trial and his eventual outcome still ahead. The magistrate said he was confused as to why Pistorius had opened fire like he had, without being sure who was in the bathroom where he shot at.
His girlfriend, Ms Steenkamp, was an actress, model and law graduate aged just 29. Her family and friends had a memorial service earlier this week.
The thoughts and prayers of us here at RantSports go out to those affected.
By Stowe Gregory – follow or tweet @stowegregory
