Family of Pistorius's girlfriend wants justice as Olympian gets bail

A judge in Pretoria, South Africa, has grantedbail forOlympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, who is charged with one count of premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend.

Dozens of journalists and international and local television crews had converged on the red-brick courthouse Fridayto hear the decisiona sign of the global fascination with the case.

Pistorius's family members and supporters shouted "Yes!" when Chief Magistrate Desmond Nairannounced his decision to the packed courtroom. Relatives hugged and prayed, lingeringin the courtroom even after Pistorius was escorted out

Nairhanded down the rulingon the fourth day ofahearing to consider the athlete's application to be set free pending his trial. The judge set bail at one million rand ($114,700 Cdn) in cash and guarantees.

The double-amputee athlete, known by the nicknameBlade Runnerbecause of his carbon-fibre prosthetic running blades, isaccused of deliberately shootingReeva Steenkampthrough a closed bathroom door at hishome in the early morning hours ofFeb. 14. Hesays he thought he was firing at a burglar.

Nicolas van Eden, a spokesman for the Steenkamp family,told Reutersthey will wait for the law to take its course.

"They are not sure what to feel in their case. They just want to know the truth. Whatever happens is not going to bring Reeva back. They just want justice and the truth," said Van Eden.

Nair told the court. that "[Pistorius] is not a flight risk, he does not show a propensity to commit violence and he won't interfere with state witnesses."

The judge also said there is no "proper evidence" that there will be public outrage or public disorder if Pistorius is released.

Pistorius was ordered to surrender his passport andfirearms under the bail conditions. He is also prohibited from returning to hisupscale home in a gated community in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, where the killing of Steenkamp took place.

In addition, he is not allowednear any witnesses andmust report to a police station twice a week. He was alsobanned from drinking alcohol while awaiting trial.

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Defence lawyer Barry Roux told reporters the defence team was satisfied with the bail.

However, he said it was the first time he had ever heard a magistrate ban someone from drinking alcohol while on bail.

According to Reuters, a police-car convoy believed to be carrying Pistorius left the Pretoria magistrates court pursued by motorcycles and chased by photographers and cameramen.

There were no cameras allowed in the courtoom, but Nair allowed an audio media feed while he talked for an hour and 45 minutes, recapping evidence presented during the hearing and explaining his reasons for allowing bail.

Nair said hisdecision was made easier becausePistorius "reached out" to offerhis version of events in a sworn affidavit.

"I come to the conclusion that the accused has made a case to be released on bail," the judgesaid.

TheOlympian's next court appearance was set for June 4.

Following the ruling, a spokesman for the Pistorius familyissueda statement:

"Although we are obviously relieved that Oscar has been granted bail, this is still a very sad time for the family of Reeva and for usall.We are grateful that the magistrate recognized the validity and the strength of our application. As the family, we are convinced that Oscar'sversion of what happened on that terrible night will proven to be true."