OJ Simpson to be released from prison early after nine years

OJ Simpson – the former NFL star best known for being acquitted in an infamous double murder – has been granted early release from his prison sentence for a subsequent armed robbery.

He will be released as early as 1 October of this year, after a Nevada parole board voted unanimously to grant him parole.

Simpson was given a nine-to-33-year sentence in 2008, just 13 years after being acquitted in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. He was arrested in Las Vegas on charges of assault, kidnapping, and armed burglary after attempting to steal pieces of of his own sports memorabilia from a hotel room.

Since then, the former athlete and actor has been described by officers at Nevada’s Lovelock Correctional Centre as a “model inmate”. Mr Simpson testified on Thursday that he had taken computer classes and a non-violence course while incarcerated.

“I told the warden when I got here ... that I would be no problem; I believe in this jury system, I will honour what the jury said, and I will be no problem,” he said. “And I think I kept my word.”

Thursday’s hearing marked the first time Simpson was eligible for release. He made his case from prison, via video conference, with four parole board commissioners located in Carson City, Nevada.

Simpson seemed combative at times, telling the commissioners he had not intended to commit a crime, and had not even seen his associate pull a gun on the robbery victim. He smirked when a commissioners informed him that some of his recollections contradicted court records.

Later, however, he appeared contrite, saying: "I wish this would have never happened".

"If I would have made a better judgment back then, none of this would have happened," he added. "I take full responsibility."

Simpson’s lawyers have previously argued that his sentence was inordinately long; intended as a payback for his controversial 1995 acquittal instead of a punishment for his 2007 crime.

The former footballer’s original trial captivated the public at the time, dominating news coverage for its entire 252-day run. The “not guilty” verdict provoked outrage from those convinced Simpson was guilty, and celebration from those who felt he was the victim of a racist criminal justice system.

One of the commissioners on Thursday said the board had received hundred of letters both in defence and opposition of Simpson’s parole. Most of the letters opposing Simpson’s parole, the commissioner said, concerned his 1995 acquittal.

Asked how he would deal with public scrutiny following his release, the Simpson replied: “I’ve been recognised ever since I was 19 years old … I’ve dealt with it my whole life and I really don’t see any problem dealing with the public now, at all.”

One of the victims of the 2007 robbery, Bruce Fromong, attended the trial to testify on Simpson's behalf. He told the board that Simpson is a "good man" who deserves a second chance. He added that he would happy to give Simpson a ride home from prison if he was released.

Simpson’s eldest daughter, Arnelle Simpson, also made an appearance on Thursday, testifying on behalf of her family.

“I know that he is remorseful, he is truly remorseful,” she said. “And we just want him to come home so we can move home, for us, quietly.”

Simpson echoed these sentiments, telling the board he wanted to spend his time as a free man catching up with family and friends.

Asked whether he planned to resettle with his family in Florida, Simpson said: “Well I could stay in Nevada, but I don’t think you want me here.”