Pistorius released from prison on house arrest after serving one year of sentence

Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison on house arrest ©AFP/Getty Images

Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison just one year into a five-year sentence for culpable homicide, and will now be confined to house arrest at his uncle's home in Pretoria.

The South African six-times Paralympic gold medal winning sprinter was eligible for release under "correctional supervision" having served a sixth of his sentence for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, with the Parole Board having approved the decision last week.

Relatives of Miss Steenkamp allege he is "getting off lightly", claiming previously how the punishment was "not enough for taking a life", although this has been contested by Pistorius' family.

"The family will support Oscar as he serves the rest of his sentence," said spokeswoman Anneliese Burgess.

"They are happy Oscar is home but want to make the point that Oscar's sentence continues."

Under his house arrest, Pistorius will not be electronically tagged and will be allowed outside during the day.

The 28-year-old will be allowed to work, but will not be allowed out at night, and will be permitted no access to firearms, and no taking of drugs or alcohol.

He will also be required to continue psychotherapy sessions and has insisted he will "strictly" adhere to his parole conditions.

Oscar Pistorius received a five-year prison sentence for culpable homicide last year ©Getty Images

Pistorius was jailed last year for shooting dead Steenkamp on Valentines Day in 2013.

He has long maintained his innocence, claiming he mistook her for an intruder.

This has been challenged, however, by prosecutors, who are still striving to upgrade his conviction to a murder charge.

They are due to present their case in court on November 2.

The fact he is currently allowed to "work" creates the possibility of Pistorius resuming training, but sources close to him have suggested this is unlikely as he is in poor physical shape.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) ruled last year that he will not be able to compete at any major event, including Rio 2016, for the duration of his five year sentence.