HE’S OUT! And after just 11 months: Oscar Pistorius has now left prison

He may have been given a five year sentence following a sensational trial last year, but this evening convicted killer Oscar Pistorius has been permitted to pack up his belongings and leave his prison cell. 

Spending just 11 months inside, he departed from the Pretoria Central Prison a day earlier than planned in order to thwart waiting media. 

He has now made his way to his uncle's house, where he will spend time under house arrest. 

The former Olympian killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his upmarket Pretoria home in February 2013. He was charged with murder but ultimately convicted of culpable homicide – which is largely akin to manslaughter.

Pistorius was due to be released two months ago, but international outcry at the brevity of his jail-time encouraged South African officials to intervene at the 11th hour.

Furthermore, with an appeal currently lodged with the Supreme Court, the 28-year-old will find out on November 3 if his sentence will be upgraded to that of murder – a conviction which would see him return to prison for at least 15 years.

Cape Town native Ms Steenkamp was 29 when her boyfriend shot her dead. He has always claimed he believed her to be an intruder. 

A model and reality TV star, she also studied law at university and hoped to practise once she was called to the bar. 

Her relatives have said they believe Pistorius is "getting off lightly" and that the time he served is "not enough for taking a life".