THE extradition of computer hacker Gary McKinnon to the USA has been blocked today by Home Secretary Theresa May.

Mrs May, MP for Cookham and Bisham, on the Bucks border, has said there was no doubt Mr McKinnon is 'seriously ill'.

The 46-year-old has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

As a result Mrs May said the extradition warrant against him should be withdrawn.

Mr McKinnon could have faced 60 years in jail if convicted in the US and the legal fight has been going on for the past decade.

He has said the reason he accessed the NASA and Pentagon computers was to search for evidence of the Government's knowledge on UFOs and aliens.

Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan has campaigned for change on autism and brought about new laws as a result of her work in 2009.

She said on Twitter this afternoon: "Great news from home secretary quashing extradition order on Gary McKinnon.

"Have asked Home Sec to review treatment of people with autism in the criminal justice system."

 

 

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