Oscar Pistorius's bid for parole has failed because he applied for it too early in his 13-year sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. ALSO READ: Oscar Pistorius sentenced to 5 years in prison in killing of girlfriend The former Olympic and Paralympic athlete, known as the Blade Runner, had applied for release on the grounds he had served half of his prison term. But a parole board spokesperson said the gold medal winner's bid had been denied because he had not served the required minimum for early release. ALSO READ: Oscar Pistorius’ watches went missing under police guard The South African will have to stay in prison for at least another 16 months and will be able to reapply in August next year. There have been legal wranglings over when he should be eligible for parole because of a series of appeals in his case and when his sentence started. He was initially convicted of culpable homicide - similar to manslaughter - in 2014 but after several appeals the conviction was upgraded to murder in 2017 with a term of 13 years and five months. ALSO READ: Oscar Pistorius must pay for killing my daughter' His lawyers say that sentence started in 2014 - but the parole board says that contradicts a supreme court decision three days ago. Earlier, Reeva's mother June Steenkamp told Sky News that Pistorius was not remorseful or rehabilitated ahead of the hearing. Tania Koen, a lawyer for the Steenkamp family, told Sky News: While we welcome today's decision, today is not a cause for celebration. We miss Reeva terribly and will do so for the rest of our lives. We believe in justice and hope that it continues to prevail. ALSO READ: Conflicted about Oscar Pistorius Pistorius's lawyer, Julian Knight, said they would appeal against the decision. A family statement said they were deeply disappointed after believing Pistorius had fulfilled the requirements to be freed. They said they would be seeking clarification. The 36-year-old is currently serving a 13-year and five-month sentence following his conviction for murdering his girlfriend in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013.
