South Africa: “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius granted bail

Double amputee Oscar Pistorius of South Africa at the London 2012 Olympic Games. PHOTO/Olivier Morin/AFP/GettyImages

South African “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius, has been granted bail by chief magistrate Desmond Nair.

The prosecution had laid out its case to keep Pistorius in police custody.

Mr. Nair delivered a lengthy recap of all the evidence presented in the alleged pre-meditated murder of Reeva Steenkamp before presenting his ruling.

Pistorius should be released from custody pending his trial because he is not a flight risk, Mr. Nair said.

Pistorius is accused of deliberately shooting Reeva Steenkamp at his home in the early morning hours of Feb. 14.

“Pistorius is not a flight risk, he does not show a propensity to commit violence and he won’t interfere with state witnesses,” Nair told the court. The magistrate also said there is no “proper evidence” that there will be public outrage or public disorder” if Pistorius is released. There were cheers heard in the courtroom when the ruling came down.