John Hinckley Jr: Man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan seeks more time outside mental hospital

59-year-old already spends more than half the month at his mother's home

John Hinckley in 2003 (Reuters)

The man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan more than 30 years ago is seeking permission to spend more time outside of the mental hospital where has spent the past three decades.

John John Hinckley Jr is to appear in court on Wednesday where a federal judge will begin hearings to decide whether or not the 59-year-old should be permitted greater freedom.

Since December 2013, Hinckley, who shot Reagan and three other people, among them press secretary James Brady, has been permitted to spend 17 days every month away from Washington’s St Elizabeths Hospital and stay with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Reagan narrowly escaped with his life from the shooting (Reuters)

The Associated Press said that the hearing before US District Judge Paul Friedman will determine whether the terms of Hinckley's confinement should be changed. It said doctors had previously asked Mr Friedman to allow him to spend 24 days a month with his mother and to eventually permit him to live with her full time.

Hinckley had shot Reagan in an attempt to impress the impress actress Jodie Foster, with whom he was obsessed.

The striking images taken at the scene of the shooting at Washington’s Hilton Hotel on March 30 1981 capture an earlier era.

But Hinckley’s actions were lethal; Reagan was seriously injured and narrowly escaped with his life while Mr Brady was paralysed after being shot in the head. When he died in August 2014, a coroner said his death was attributable to the shooting. In January, it was announced Hinckley would not be charged over the death.

In February 2014, Mr Friedman issued a 29-point order that set terms on details that included Hinckley's use of the internet, travel and walks within his mother’s neighbourhood. It said that on unaccompanied outings, he must avoid government offices in Richmond.

The judge also said that Hinckley must carry a GPS-enabled cell phone during unsupervised activities. He and his mother have to call the hospital at least once a day during each visit.