Oscar Pistorius denied parole over killing of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

The South African former athlete Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp 10 years ago.

Pistorius was found guilty of murder and given a 13-year jail sentence in 2017 after a lengthy trial and several appeals. State prosecutors accused him of deliberately killing Steenkamp in a fit of jealousy and anger. The athlete, who frequently broke down in court, denied the accusation, saying he was deeply in love with her and believed he was protecting her when he shot through the toilet door because he thought an intruder was hiding there.

Offenders in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence. Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014. The parole board will consider a new application in August 2024.

Pistorius won global fame and fortune when he reached the semi-finals of the 400m at the 2012 Olympics. A double amputee below the knee from 11 months old, he inspired millions around the world with his determination to reach the highest levels of sport. Known as the Blade Runner because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics, his success attracted lucrative endorsement contracts and sponsorship deals.

People around the world followed the trial of Pistorius in 2014. Almost every minute of more than 40 days was broadcast live and amplified by social media.

The dramatic and emotional trial revealed a darker side to Pistorius: a taste for fast cars and guns, and a short temper. On the final day of the sentencing in 2017, Pistorius dramatically removed his prosthetics to hobble on his stumps across the courtroom, to demonstrate his physical vulnerability.

In South Africa, interest in the killing and its aftermath bordered on the obsessive. The murder was seen as holding a mirror to the country, more than 20 years after the end of apartheid and the coming of democracy, at a time of widespread disillusionment.