Judge: Hinckley Can Drive, Take Long Trips

(AP)  A federal judge says John Hinckley, the man who tried to kill President Ronald Reagan, can spend more time away from his psychiatric hospital and apply for a driver's license.

In a ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman says Hinckley's health will probably improve with more freedom and that he wouldn't be a danger to himself or others.

The judge ruled that Hinckley can increase the length of his visits to his mother's hometown of Williamsburg, Va., from six nights at a time to nine. He'll also be able to do volunteer work and take driver's education.

Federal prosecutors had opposed increasing the length of time Hinckley is away from Washington's St. Elizabeths Hospital.

[mutnauq4842]

Guess when Hinckley found out Jodie was gayy he realized he would never be able to impress her.

[NMlost]

Has anyone notified Jody?

[naj1953]

again what a justice system we have...

[johninpennsyl]

Now he can go out with Sarah Brady and beat the drum for gun control.I swear,sometimes I think this country is friggin crazy.

[woeisme1]

This country has deteriorated so, that I can scarcely muster any hope for the future. Insanity rules the day. Just so much absurdity. So much predjudice and hate and division and enmity. Citizens are hardly civil to one another anymore and on the internet, they are particularly savage and for obvious reasons.

I agree with every poster here who is insensed that this man was allowed this freedom. It is another terrible blow to America's image. I just don't know anymore...

[jincstress]

The irony is that Hinckley has a chance to live in free relatively safely, whereas Chapman (killer of John Lennon- mega pacifist) wouldn't last 10 minutes on the outside.

[bluedodo-2009]

He should take a taxi forever. Driving gives him too much freedom.

[jt92202]

Correction:

If he's crazy he should be in a mental hospital I meant. This made me so mad I didn't remember what I was saying!!!!

[jt92202]

unfen believable! And we pay these judges to work for us? James Brady should not have to see this scum driving around on the streets nor should the Reagan Family. If he's crazy then he should be in jail and if he's not he should be in prison, period. I really don't care if his health improves or not, if it doesn't that is less I have to pay in taxes to keep his arse feed and sheltered because he will be meeting his maker that much sooner!!

[ggca]

absurd... Why does our justice system cater to the criminals instead of the victims? What about James Brady? He will pay the price for Hinckley's crime for the rest of his life. Why shouldn't Hinckley do the same?

[winchester70]

Why is this POS still breathing? Whatinell is wrong with our legal system? $.25 for a bullet, $100 for a backhoe and be done with him!