SAN DIEGO -- A sexually violent predator convicted in 1989 of molesting four children should be released into San Diego County from a state mental hospital, a judge ruled Wednesday.

After a two-day hearing, Judge Michael Wellington ruled that Matthew Hedge is ready to be released on outpatient status to a site to be determined.

Wellington considered testimony from Hedge's psychologist, other doctors and social workers at Coalinga State Hospital before making his decision.

A hearing is scheduled Oct. 30 to determine plans to find housing for Hedge.

Hedge was found guilty in 1989 of molesting two boys and two girls and served his criminal sentence before entering a treatment program at Coalinga.

Three years ago, Hedge became the first sexually violent predator to be released back into San Diego, where he committed his crimes.

Hedge had been allowed to live in a trailer outside the walls of Donovan State Prison in Otay Mesa after completing a multi-phase treatment program in November 2005.

Hedge was returned to Coalinga in January 2006 after violating the terms of his release. State officials monitoring his movements said Hedge talked with two girls at a treatment center, lied to the center's staff and had a deviant sexual fantasy about a child.

A sexually violent predator is someone convicted of a sex crime and diagnosed with a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to commit predatory acts of sexual violence if not confined.