Psychiatric about-turn for Scots hacker wanted by US

THE Scot accused of computer hacking charges in the United States is facing a new threat of extradition after Home Office-commissioned research said he was mentally strong enough.

Gary McKinnon, a computer analyst who has Asperger’s, is said to no longer be a suicide risk, according to a psychiatrist previously hired by his family.

Professor Declan Murphy is reported to say of Mr McKinnon: “We judge the risk of suicide to be moderate. The risk of actual self-harm could be ameliorated by regular contact with mental health professionals and with supportive counselling and listening services of the type that are available within UK prisons.

“He did not express significant hopelessness or helplessness.”

Glasgow-born Mr McKinnon had admitted hacking into US military computers, but claims he was merely seeking evidence of UFOs. The US authorities insist Mr McKinnon, who was originally arrested ten years ago, caused £436,000 worth of damage to their computer systems.

A High Court hearing into the 45-year-old’s case is due to be heard in July. His family has commissioned three independent experts to submit evidence on Mr McKinnon’s condition.

Mr McKinnon’s mother, Janis Sharp, said: “This psychiatrist is the same one who provided completely different evidence about Gary three years ago and he has not seen him since then.”