OJ Simpson will be released from prison nine years into a 33-year sentence after US prison chiefs granted him parole.

The disgraced former NFL icon referred to himself as a “straighter shooter” as he wept while begging for his freedom this evening.

16 OJ Simpson was tearful after being told he will be a free man by October Credit: EPA

16 He couldn't hide a grin as the decision was announced by the Nevada parole board Credit: Reuters

16 Simpson was told he will be released by a parole board this evening Credit: Splash News

16 Simpson appeared in a blue shirt alongside his lawyer as he listened to the parole board's findings Credit: Splash News

16 The disgraced former NFL star appeared relaxed as he learned his fate Credit: Splash News

16 Simpson appeared overcome with emotion as the decision was read out to him Credit: EPA

16 His sister Shirley Baker and daughter Arielle, pictured here with Simpson's friend Tom Scotto, also cried tears of happiness Credit: EPA

16 The hearing struck a bizarrely cheerful tone when the parole board mistakenly referred to Simpson at 90 years old - leading him to crease up in laughter Credit: Sky News

Simpson was caged for 33 years in 2008 after being convicted of a Las Vegas armed robbery and kidnapping.

But the 70-year-old will be a free man within three months after the parole board decided he can be released in October.

Pleading for his freedom a visibly-aged Simpson, wearing a blue shirt, said: "I am sorry things turned out the way they did. I had no intention to cause a crime.

“I just want to get back to my family and friends. I thought I was a good guy. I've had a few problems with fidelity.

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"But I’ve always thought I’ve been pretty good with people and I’ve spent a conflict-free life.

“I’m a pretty straight shooter. I've always tried to be a good soldier. I have no problem.

"I wish it had never happened. I apologise to the people of Nevada. I take full responsibility. I should never allowed these alleged security guys to help me."

In a show of remorse, he later apologised to his victim and friend Bruce Fromong.

Simpson said: "I couldn’t be more apologetic for what Bruce went though."

Fromong, testifying for his friend, later said: “OJ is my friend, always has been and I hope will remain my friend. He never laid a hand on me.

16 Simpson arrived at the Nevada correctional facility to hear his fate Credit: Reuters

16 He wore a blue shirt, jeans and white trainers Credit: Reuters

16 Simpson apologised to the people of Nevada for the incident and said he 'wished it never happened' Credit: AP:Associated Press

16 The Nevada parole board decided 70-year-old Simpson should be released nine years into his 33-year term

"We all make mistakes. I've known OJ for a long time and I don't think that he's a threat to any one out there. He's a good man who does lot for other people.

"It's time to give him a second chance and let him go home to his family."

Simpson was visibly emotional as his friend spoke on his behalf.

At several points he talked passionately about how he wanted to again spend time with his four children.

Simpson's daughter Arnelle later testified on behalf of her father.

He had earlier had earlier appeared agitated when forced to deny having an alcohol problem when probed on the subject by the board.

16 Simpson's victim Bruce Fromong testified on his behalf, leaving the former NFL star visibly emotional Credit: AP:Associated Press

16 In a show of remorse, he later apologised to his victim Bruce Fromong Credit: AP:Associated Press

16 Simpson, pictured here at his trial in 2008, was jailed for 33 years for the armed robbery in Las Vegas Credit: Getty Images

16 In the 'Trial of the Century's' most memorable scene, he showed that a pair of gloves used during the murder did not fit on his hand Credit: Getty Images

The hearing began on a bizarrely cheerful tone when the parole board mistakenly referred to Simpson as 90 years old - a slip of the tongue that led to a roar of laughter from the disgraced sportsman.

The former running back was famously acquitted of the murder of wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1995.

He assembled a multi-million pound defence team and was cleared of the shooting - despite having earlier attempted to flee police in a car chase broadcast live on TV.

In the 'Trial of the Century's' most memorable scene, he showed that a pair of gloves used during the murder did not fit his hands.

San Francisco-born Simpson later wrote a book titled: 'If I Did It'.

He ran into further trouble in September 2007 when he led a group of men to hold up a Las Vegas hotel at gunpoint before stealing sports memorabilia linked to his career.

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