Pistorius appeal for early release denied 

Jailed athlete Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole in South Africa after serving half of his 13-year sentence for murdering his girlfriend.

The former Paralympian, who shot dead Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013, had hoped for early release.

However, prison authorities were not satisfied that the amount of time he had served was enough and will again consider his case next year.

The decision has been welcomed by Ms Steenkamp’s parents, but they stressed the outcome was not a reason for celebration.

A family statement read: “We miss Reeva terribly and will do so for the rest of our lives.

“We believe in justice and hope that it continues to prevail.”

Despite Pistorius’ public expressions of remorse over the killing of Steenkamp, the 36-year-old still maintains that he shot her by accident, mistaking her for a robber.

Steenkamp’s mother June, who attended Friday’s hearing to oppose his parole bid, commented on Pistorius: “I don’t believe Oscar is remorseful or rehabilitated.

 “It’s going to be very hard to be in the same room as him. I don’t believe his story.”

Steenkamp, a model and reality TV star, was shot multiple times through the bathroom door.

In South Africa, prisoners become eligible for parole once they have served at least half of their sentence.

“Come August 2024, he would have reached the minimum detention period, then the (parole) board will make a decision,’ said prison spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.

 “He will have to appear again next year. And then we look into the profile and make a decision in terms of his placement.

“But for now, it was a matter of saying he has not served the minimum detention period.”