Oscar Pistorius

The state is appealing Pistorius' acquittal on murder charges, but it appears that the Olympic athlete will be out of custody when that appeal comes before the justice system.

The double-amputee Olympian was convicted earlier this year of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, in the shooting death of his girlfriend. He is serving a five-year prison sentence.

The Olympian was convicted of culpable homicide last month — rather than a more serious charge of premeditated murder — for the 2013 fatal shooting of Reeva Steenkamp in his home.

At a sentencing hearing for Oscar Pistorius, a court-appointed prison social worker says the South African athlete's punishment for culpable homicide should include three years of house arrest.

Despite a conviction for culpable homicide and the looming possibility of a jail term, Oscar Pistorius would be free to compete, says the head of South Africa's Olympic committee.

The double-amputee track star showed no emotion as the verdict was read in a South African courtroom. He faces a maximum of 15 years on the charge, which is roughly equivalent to manslaughter.

South African Judge Thokozile Masipa, who has yet to render her final verdict in the jury-less trial, says the prosecution failed to prove premeditated murder.