OJ Simpson to be released from prison on parole

OJ Simpson will be released on parole after nine years behind bars.

A parole board in Nevada, USA, decided that the 70-year-old former football, TV and movie star can be released in October.

Simpson was serving time for armed robbery and assault with a weapon after a botched bid to retrieve sports memorabilia in Las Vegas.

That conviction came 13 years to the day after he was acquitted of murder in 1995 over the deaths of his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles.

An emotional Simpson told the parole board: “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Four parole commissioners questioned Simpson by video link from the Lovelock Correctional Center in rural Nevada, where he has been held since he was convicted in 2008.

Simpson told the parole board that he was sorry “that things turned out the way they did” and had no intent to commit a crime. He also said he had basically lived a “conflict-free life.”

The board cited Simpson's compliance with prison rules, his lack of prior convictions, his low risk of committing another crime, his community support and stable release plans as reasons for granting parole.

Simpson’s lawyer said his client has taken plenty of responsibility for the armed robbery that sent him to prison.