Verdict ‘shocked’ John Hinckley

Press, 30 June 1982, Page 9

Verdict ‘shocked’ John Hinckley

NZPA-Reuter Washington John Hinckley says that he was shocked last week when a jury found him innocent by reason of insanity in the shooting of President Ronald Reagan, the "Washington Post" reported yesterday. Hinckley said’ he had prepared a f’our-page speech to read in Court the day he thought he would be sentenced.

"I thought for sure I would be convicted because of the pressure the jury would be under to return a guilty verdict." Hinckley said during three telephone interviews over the week-end from St Elizabeth’s Hospital for the mentally ill, where he is now confined.

“I respect them now a lot for saying, ’to hell with what the public say, we think he’s not guilty’." Hinckley said he believed that he was insane when he shot Mr Reagan and three others, and emphatically denied that he "beat the rap." as one newspaper headline had said.

"I’m not walking out on the street. I’m in a hospital with bars on it ... they act like I’m free ... It's not that wav at all. "I like it here so far. Nobodv bothers me... They

call me Mr Hinckley." he said. Hinckley’s comments were the first lie has made to the news media since his arrest immediately after the shooting on March 30. 1981. A spokesman for the National Institute of Mental Health, which runs St Elizabeth's. said Hinckley's calls were not authorised by the hospital and his use of the phone was now being strictly supervised. Hinckley was found innocent of the shootings byreason of insanity last week. Doctors at St Elizabeth's must submit a report on his mental condition to the court by August 2. Judge Barrington Parker has scheduled a hearing for August 9 to determine whether Hinckley is entitled to release from the hospital because he is no longer a danger to himself or others. Asked if he thought he was ready to be released from hospital. Hinckley, hesitated, then said: “That’s a hard question." "I certainly would not be a danger to mvself and I don’t honestly think I’ve been a danger to society ... I certainly would not be a danger to the President. I’ll say that for sure." Hinckley said.