Hacker Gary McKinnon’s mother in plea for compassion – and quick decision

By John Aston
Published on 24/07/2012 23:38

The mother of computer hacker Gary McKinnon has made an emotional appeal to the Home Secretary to “show a little bit of compassion” for her son.

• US ordered extradition of McKinnon in 2006 after he accessed Pentagon and Nasa computers

• Glasgow-born McKinnon admits hacking but claims he was looking for evidence of UFOs

Theresa May is proposing to decide in mid-October whether to order Glasgow-born McKinnon’s extradition to the United States, the High Court was told yesterday.

But his mother Janis Sharp said her son’s life and that of his family was being “destroyed” by the case and “Gary cannot cope any more”, said Mrs Sharp.

One of the reasons given for the delay is the Olympics and Mrs May’s crucial role, especially regarding security.

But Mrs Sharp said: “She could have made a decision before the Olympics. The evidence is there that Gary is unfit for trial and a considerable suicide risk. We need this decision. This delay is wrong – morally wrong.”

The announcement of the date follows McKinnon’s refusal last week to undergo further medical tests by a Home Office-appointed expert during his battle to avoid removal.

The US authorities want McKinnon, 46, of Wood Green, north London, to face trial for hacking into military computers ten years ago. He could face a jail sentence of up to 60 years if convicted.

The proposed timing for the Home Secretary’s decision was given to London’s High Court by Hugo Keith QC, representing Mrs May. If she decides to allow extradition to go ahead, McKinnon’s lawyers are expected to launch a last-ditch application for judicial review to challenge the decision.

McKinnon is refusing to undergo further medical tests by experts appointed by the Home Office, his mother said last week.