South Woodford charity, the UK Autism Foundation, has joined calls for a US computer hacker to be tried in the UK (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

South Woodford charity, the UK Autism Foundation, has joined calls for a US computer hacker to be tried in the UK

1:27pm Monday 27th July 2009 in

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A SOUTH Woodford-based autism charity has joined the campaign to get the notorious Pentagon computer hacker tried in the UK.

The UK Autism Foundation (UKAF), along with Sir Bob Geldof, Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd, Chrissy Hynde and Nick Hornby, are calling for the extradition of Gary McKinnon to the US to be halted.

Mr Mckinnon, who was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome – a form of autism - is accused of hacking into US Military and NASA computer servers in 2001 and 2002, causing around $700,000 worth of damage.

Mr Mckinnon, who exposed the ease with which highly sensitive US computers could be accessed, claims to have been searching for evidence of extraterrestrial life.

Along with the musicians, who have recorded a song in an appeal to American President Barack Obama, Ilford North MP Lee Scott MP has also thrown his weight behind the campaign.

As well as lobbying on behalf of parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the Houses of Parliament, Mr Scott has just signed a letter along with other MPs and dignitaries calling for the extradition to be stopped.

Ivan Corea of the UKAF based in South Woodford said: “Autism is a complex world and sometimes you come across unexplained behaviour.

“Gary McKinnon has admitted he has done wrong and we join with many other autism charities in calling for him to be tried in the United Kingdom.”

For further information on UKAF visit: ukautismfoundation.org