Gary McKinnon (ASD computer hacker) extradition to US blocked by Theresa May

[LittenTree]

about time, too

http://newsthump.com/2012/10/16/theresa-may-stops-extradition-of-gary-mckinnon-using-thing-she-wants-to-repeal/

''Theresa May stops extradition of Gary Mckinnon using thing she wants to repeal''

arf arf

Just shows the dangers of allowing people on t the internet without proper supervision.

The americans are definitely not to be trifled with.

What all people Pendeen? I don't suppose many of us have supervised internet use. Is your use supervised and if so, by whom?

At last. I am so happy that this has happened finally. If only it hadn't had to go on for years as Gary M and his mother have been to hell and back.

some people

Which people then Pendeen?

Gary McKinnon for one?

Who exactly, Pendeen? 40 yr old men in general, or just those who haven't yet been dx with AS?( GM was dx after his hacking incident). Or maybe you mean Pentagon computer experts who can't make their computer systems safe from hacking?

Another very enlightened post on MN. hurrumph. Off to eat lunch. Yes, i know the time, folks!

tis possible GM has learnt something from this dreadful experience, but maybe nobody thought he needed supervision beforehand. It would cost a lot of public money to supervise every person who might remotely be on AS spectrum. Interesting thought indeed. The coalition politicians should set up a committee to discuss ...... (Folks, that was sarcasm)

Aw, that's nice Pendeen. So the emphasis shouldn't be on sites to be secure, it should be on supervision of those on the autistic spectrum. Will the taxpayer be funding that supervision? Will supervision be rolled out to downs syndrome people, manic depressives, schizophrenics? How about previously convicted criminals?

I think overall it is good news as the extradition agreement does seem very one sided, from what I read at least. But should he be tried here? Is having a diagnosis of aspergers a reason for not being brought to justice?
Actually, he has probably done the US a favour by showing them their systems' vulnerability. The shocking thing is that this has been dragged out for years. He could have probably served a sentence by now. (Though I suspect the US had one of its 500 years specials up its sleeve).
All a bit scrambled, sorry, just thinking aloud really.

I am delighted for them. Still got a court case but I am delighted for Gary and and his family they get to be together and fight on together.

But nearly 11 yrs wasted before someone was brave enough to say "he stays here." ...... Blimey that's a ridiculous amount of time.

fluff, no one should get away with criminal behaviour and of course, Gary McKinnon should not have hacked into a site. However, I'd rather he was tried in this country and presumed innocent until found guilty, than in the US under the military damage charge.

For the first time the phrase 'breach of his humam rights' has been applauded (by me anyway). Didn't a senior US politician say that if he has been a US citizen, the government would have been offering him a job?

Yes postbellum I agree. I was kind of formulating what I thought as I prodded the iPad. I suspect he will have a suspended or minimal sentence.
Do you think there was a sort of deal cut with the US on the quiet to let the alleged terrorists go to the States and him stay here? Nothing public of course.

Really pleased for the family. From memory, I don't think the family has ever suggested that they wanted/expected any preferential treatment as a person with Aspergers. They were quite accepting of the fact that he had done something that was wrong and should be tried here for it.

The DPP has already indictaed that he is unlikely to be prosecuted here

Yes auntevil I think that's the case - he has never denied the hacking, and is not trying to fight against the charge, but that his intentions were not malign, but more curiosity-based. Which is why his AS is relevant.

ROLFing about "supervised computer access" for people with AS.

That would be a good chunk of our application development department then. I'll raise it with their manager tomorrow.

He was investigated by the police here first and it was dealt with with a (entirely appropriate imo) warning iirc.

So happy that this man can be left in peace, but I doubt he'll recover.

Makes me want to keep my ds at home with me forever.

as someone who is really not terribly pleased with Theresa May right now im thrilled that she saw sense on this one.

as a cop i hate her guts.
as a mum of a DS with AS i could kiss her.

fluffiphlox - I don't see any reason to believe there was a deal. The US wanted the alleged terrorists. We wanted to send the terrorists to the US. Do you really think the government would have said "we'll hang on to Abu Hamza et al unless we get to keep McKinnon"? Doesn't ring true for me.

Perhaps the Yanks will return the favor and send over a few dozen IRA terrorists they have been keeping safe for years and also release the "Boston Tapes" that will implicate know IRA terrorists already in the U.K that include MPs

Abu Hamza's extradition was a matter for the courts and not the Home Secretary.

I think this was a sensible and fair decision.

I say that as a lawyer and the mum of a boy with AS. Having Asperger's does not necessarily excuse criminal behaviour (although in some cases it may be a defence if the necessary 'mens rea' or 'guilty mind' cannot be made out) but, it is a very relevant factor in deciding whether and how a person should be prosecuted.

Asperger's is very misunderstood condition and people do not appreciate how debilitating it can be or how it can affect the day to day functioning of people who appear just like everyone else. Those of us with children with AS know this only too well as we often battle schools to get this understood.

As a lifelong Labour supporter, I am disgusted with Alan Johnson's comments. Shame on you Labour.