Restrictions on Hinckley eased

WASHINGTON – A federal judge on Friday loosened the restrictions on John W. Hinckley Jr., allowing the hospitalized presidential assailant to spend seven overnight visits with his parents in Williamsburg, Va.

Hinckley, who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981, had been permitted to leave St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington for outings around the nation’s capital. He wanted to make longer trips and travel outside the area to his parents’ community in southeastern Virginia.

U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman ruled Hinckley could be allowed initially three, three-night visits and later another four, four-night visits.

The Justice Department could appeal the decision. Justice spokesman John Nowacki said the order was being reviewed.

Friedman said Hinckley “is not permitted to leave one or both parents’ supervision at any time during the course of the conditional release” except when the hospital deems it necessary.

When Hinckley shot Reagan and three other people in 1981 as the president emerged from a downtown hotel, he was suffering from major depression and a psychotic disorder that led to an obsession with actress Jodie Foster.

Hinckley, found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982, said he shot Reagan to impress Foster.

His doctors have said his depression and psychosis are in full remission.