Gary McKinnon solicitor says Home Secretary decision 'legally and morally correct' (From Enfield Independent)

Gary McKinnon solicitor says Home Secretary Theresa May's decision to block his extradition 'legally and morally correct'

5:30pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

The solicitor representing hacker Gary McKinnon says the Home Secretary's decision to block his extradition was "legally and morally correct."

Mr McKinnon, from Palmers Green, allegedly hacked into top secret US military files from his home computer between 2001 and 2002.

His solicitor Karen Todner, of Kaim Todner Solicitors Ltd, released a statement this afternoon following yesterday's landmark decision made by Home Secretary Theresa May.

Ms Todner said: “I believe the decision made yesterday was a courageous one but it was also both legally and morally correct.

“The medical evidence that I supplied to the Home Secretary was overwhelming and extremely powerful.

"It would have been astounding for her to have ignored it.”

The 46-year-old suffers from Asperger’s syndrome and depression and claims he was searching for evidence about UFOs.

The Home Secretary said at the House of Commons that Mr McKinnon is “seriously ill,” and his extradition would be incompatible with his human rights.

She said there is a “such a high risk” of him committing suicide if he were extradited to the US.

If he had been found guilty in America, he could have faced up to 60 years in jail under terrorism charges.

Ms Todner said the medical evidence – provided by psychiatrists employed by the Home Secretary, was “unique” and does not set any precedents.

She said Mr McKinnon had endured a “long hard struggle” against extradition, and she hopes Mr McKinnon and his family can now enjoy a “normal life” after enduring a “very difficult” ten years.

It is up to the director of public prosecution to decide if his case should be heard in a UK court.