Reagan assailant to get longer visits

WASHINGTON, June 17 (UPI) -- The man who shot President Reagan in 1981 can get a driver's license and spend more time with his mother in Virginia, a federal judge ruled.

The ruling Monday was the latest expansion of privileges for John Hinckley Jr., who has been confined in St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington since begin found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting of Reagan, his press secretary and two law enforcement officers, The Washington Post reported Tuesday

Doctors at the hospital said they have been trying to increase Hinckley's freedoms gradually to evaluate whether he is close to the point of being released to live with his mother in the Williamsburg, Va., area.

U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman increased from seven to 10 days the time Hinckley could spend on visits to Williamsburg without hospital staff accompanying him. Friedman also OK'd a request to allow Hinckley to do volunteer work in the Williamsburg area and to take driving lessons.

Prosecutors objected, arguing the doctors did not fully grasp the depth of Hinckley's mental illness. Hinckley shot Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster.

Friedman disagreed, writing, "The evidence suggesting that Mr. Hinckley will not become dangerous under the hospital's proposal ... far outweighs the evidence suggesting that he will become dangerous."