Jerry Sandusky Requests Looser Bail Restrictions

Former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky requested looser bail restrictions to allow him to visit with his grandchildren and old friends while he awaits trial on child sex-abuse charges, but prosecutors countered that Sandusky's home is not safe for children.

A tentative trial date of May 14 has been set by Judge John Cleland and the judge promised to rule quickly on various other issues, including requests for changes to his bail restrictions, according to The Associated Press.

The attorney general's office wants Sandusky confined to the inside of his house while awaiting his trial, while the defense asked that he be allowed out occasionally to help with the case.

Prosecutors highly opposed the request that Sandusky be able to see his grandchildren.

This home was not safe for children for 15 years, and it's not safe for children now, state prosecutor Jonelle Eshbach said to AP.

Prosecutors took note that one daughter-in-law opposed increased contact between her children and Sandusky.

Defense attorney Joe Amendola turned to letters from Sandusky's children and notes and drawings from his grandchildren, expressing their desire to see him. He also pointed out that a court-appointed guardian for the grandchildren, who are involved in a custody dispute found no reason to keep them from Sandusky.

Comparing with a jail situation, were he in jail, he would have certain rights to have visitors, Amendola told Cleland, according to AP.

Outside the courthouse Sandusky told reporters, Our home has been open for 27 years to all kinds of people, Sandusky said.