OJ Simpson, 70, granted parole

Former NFL star expected to be free in October

Simpson was convicted in 2008 of armed robbery

He has served nine years of his 33 year sentence

Tearful Simpson tells of missing family occasions

"I thought I was a good guy who got along with anybody"

Simpson's daughter Arnelle: "We just want him home

Social media reacts to decision

OJ Simpson last night shed tears of joy as he was granted parole by a panel in Nevada, having served almost nine years for armed robbery.

Simpson, 70, struggled to compose himself as the four-person panel delivered their verdict, before looking up to smile at his daughter Arnelle and friend Bruce Fromong – who both spoke to defend the fallen sports star.

He is set to walk free in October, cutting short the 33-year sentence imposed for the robbery at a Las Vegas hotel.

He and five accomplices stormed a hotel room to seize memorabilia items which Simpson said belonged to him.

He was convicted in 2008 exactly 13 years after he was cleared of killing Nicole Brown Simpson, his former wife and her friend Ron Goldman.

At the hearing, which took place at the Lovelock Correctional Facility, a medium security prison in the Nevada desert he told the board he had basically lived a conflict-free life".