Oscar Pistorius is growng a beard and dresses in a regular orange prison uniform, revealed brother Carl
Oscar Pistorius is growng a beard and dresses in a regular orange prison uniform, revealed brother Carl Getty

Life in prison for Oscar Pistorius is "no fairy tale" said his brother, who revealed the former millionaire athlete relies on cash donations to buy baked beans in prison.

Carl Pistorius – who supported his brother during his fall from grace after shooting dead Reeva Steenkamp – revealed the Paralympian is living "moment by moment" behind bars.

Before being jailed, Pistorius was used to enjoying a finely-tuned athlete's diet. Now the gold medallist is having to ask visitors to Kgosi Mampuru prison to donate loose change so he can buy tins of pilchard or baked beans.

Pistorius – who has recently turned 28 – is serving five years in prison for killing Steenkamp, and is confined to his cell for 17 hours a day.

Carl revealed the former superstar wears regulation prison uniform and is going without a private bathroom, even though probation workers suggested he be granted one. He is relying upon a stool to sit down on in the general shower room.

Speaking to You Magazine, Carl said Oscar has been inspired in his rehabilitation by fellow inmates who have made efforts to change their ways, describing the tales as "beautiful and stimulating."

"He's encountering many beautiful stories from prisoners," said Carl. "There are people there who have committed crimes but whose lives have changed.

'We live in the hope that he'll be out [under house arrest] but it's a five-year sentence."

Under sentencing guidelines, Pistorius could be released from jail after only 10 months of his sentence. Carl said the fallen idol hopes it will happen.

"There are surely desires in his heart, and over time they'll change. But he now lives moment by moment. There's no fairy tale."

Meanwhile, he is filling his time by trying to set up a basketball team for inmates and has asked visitors to donate balls.

"He asked family members to donate balls, rather than buy him gifts for his birthday. He is still waiting for permission from the area commissioner of correctional services to start it."

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