Hacker Gary McKinnon will not bear UK Charges
Computer hacker Gary McKinnon, whose extradition to the U.S. was blocked, not face charges in the United Kingdom, which ended a 10-year legal battle.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer QC said the chances of a successful conviction was "not high". Janis Sharp, Mr McKinnon's mother, said the news was "amazing" and she was grateful the case was "the now".
Mr McKinnon, 46, gives access to the U.S. government computers, but says he was looking for evidence of UFOs.
The U.S. Department of Justice said it would continue with the UK Government to work together on a "wide range of common interests".
Mr Starmer announced the decision to prosecute some three months after Home Secretary Theresa May stopped Mr. McKinnon extradition.
Low 'beliefs prospects'
The U.S. authorities have been trying to extradite Mr McKinnon to charges of causing $ 800,000 (£ 487,000) worth of damage to military computer systems face, and he would have faced up to 60 years in prison if convicted.
In October, the British to enter the United Kingdom on the basis of the human rights situation after medical reports showed that he is very likely to attempt suicide if extradited.
In a statement, Mr Starmer said: "The potential difficulties in a case in England and Wales should not be underestimated, not least the expiry of the time, the logistics of transferring sensitive data prepared for a U.S. court to London for trial participation of the U.S. government witnesses in the process and the need to fully comply with the obligations imposed publication CPS.
"The prospect of a conviction against Mr McKinnon, the full extent of his alleged crime mirrors are not high."
Mr. McKinnon lawyer, said Karen Todner she had "mixed feelings" about the decision.
She said: "I am pleased that he will not be prosecuted, because I would not wish that he would ever a time in prison, his mental state.
"But I'm disappointed because extradition warrant is still outstanding, because he can not travel anywhere outside the UK, and will hang over him until it is dissolved.
"We have talked about the approach of President Obama and asking for a pardon."
The U.S. Department of Justice said that his "law enforcement relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has always been based on trust, respect and common purpose to protect our nations and eliminating safe havens for criminals".
It added: "Notwithstanding the decision of Home Secretary in McKinnon case, run our extradition treaty with the benefit of both our countries, and the U.S. appreciate our ongoing partnership with CPS and the British law enforcement agencies on a wide range of common problems."
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer QC said the chances of a successful conviction was "not high". Janis Sharp, Mr McKinnon's mother, said the news was "amazing" and she was grateful the case was "the now".
Mr McKinnon, 46, gives access to the U.S. government computers, but says he was looking for evidence of UFOs.
The U.S. Department of Justice said it would continue with the UK Government to work together on a "wide range of common interests".
Mr Starmer announced the decision to prosecute some three months after Home Secretary Theresa May stopped Mr. McKinnon extradition.
Low 'beliefs prospects'
The U.S. authorities have been trying to extradite Mr McKinnon to charges of causing $ 800,000 (£ 487,000) worth of damage to military computer systems face, and he would have faced up to 60 years in prison if convicted.
In October, the British to enter the United Kingdom on the basis of the human rights situation after medical reports showed that he is very likely to attempt suicide if extradited.
In a statement, Mr Starmer said: "The potential difficulties in a case in England and Wales should not be underestimated, not least the expiry of the time, the logistics of transferring sensitive data prepared for a U.S. court to London for trial participation of the U.S. government witnesses in the process and the need to fully comply with the obligations imposed publication CPS.
"The prospect of a conviction against Mr McKinnon, the full extent of his alleged crime mirrors are not high."
Mr. McKinnon lawyer, said Karen Todner she had "mixed feelings" about the decision.
She said: "I am pleased that he will not be prosecuted, because I would not wish that he would ever a time in prison, his mental state.
"But I'm disappointed because extradition warrant is still outstanding, because he can not travel anywhere outside the UK, and will hang over him until it is dissolved.
"We have talked about the approach of President Obama and asking for a pardon."
The U.S. Department of Justice said that his "law enforcement relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has always been based on trust, respect and common purpose to protect our nations and eliminating safe havens for criminals".
It added: "Notwithstanding the decision of Home Secretary in McKinnon case, run our extradition treaty with the benefit of both our countries, and the U.S. appreciate our ongoing partnership with CPS and the British law enforcement agencies on a wide range of common problems."
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