Former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky said he wants his bail restrictions eased so he can see longtime family friends and his young grandchildren while he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges.

Sandusky told reporters following a pretrial hearing Friday that his grandchildren have expressed their hope they could see him for their birthdays -- activities that would not be permitted under the terms of his released.

Sandusky said his "home has been open for 27 years to all kinds of people."

Prosecutors, however, said Sandusky's home isn't a safe place for children. Authorities said some of the alleged abuse happened in the home's basement.

Sandusky also wants it to be easier for him to see old friends, who currently would need to be approved by probation officials.
 

7:58 a.m.  @BKoltnow     Not as much media as in December but still a lot of live trucks parked downtown. Not as cold too.  #Sandusky

8:04 a.m.  @BKoltnow  Media frenzy pic.twitter.com/YBZJhKbq  #Sandusky

9:17 a.m.     @BKoltnow   Media now allowed inside courtroom. Pre-trial hearing expected to start at 10   #Sandusky

9:25 a.m. @BKoltnow  Outside Centre County Courthouse pic.twitter.com/63Oed0Ee   #Sandusky

9:35 a.m.   @BKoltnow Sandusky has arrived . Will be in court.  #Sandusky