Oscar Pistorius Cleared to Leave South Africa
Published at
Herman Verwey/City Press/Gallo Images/Getty Images(PRETORIA, South Africa) — A South African judge has eased the bail restrictions on Oscar Pistorius, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, paving the way for the Olympic sprinter to leave the country and compete in competitions.
Under the new bail conditions, Pistorius must let authorities know of his travel plans at least a week in advance before he leaves South Africa. Once he returns to the country, Pistorius must hand his passport to his attorney within 24 hours.
The judge also ruled Thursday that the international athlete known as “Blade Runner” can return to his home in Pretoria, where Pistorius, 26, says he shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, 29, by accident, mistaking her for an intruder on Valentine’s Day.
Under the bail conditions set last month, Pistorius was also not able to return home as long as it was deemed an active crime scene.
For now, Pistorius, who was not at the bail hearing in Pretoria on Thursday, stands accused of premeditated murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 4.
He was granted bail on Feb. 22 for about $113,000.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio