Britain won’t charge hacker accused in U.S. breaches

LONDON — British authorities opted Friday not to charge a hacker who waged a decade-long struggle to avoid trial in the U.S. for breaking into military computers.

Gary McKinnon, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, was accused of one of the largest-ever breaches of military networks, carried out soon after the Sept. 11 attacks.

U.S. officials have said McKinnon’s hacking shut down the U.S. army district responsible for protecting Washington, and caused about $900,000 worth of damage.

British prosecutors had to decide whether McKinnon, 46, should be tried in Britain over alleged breaches of U.S. military and NASA networks, after he successfully fought extradition to the U.S. But they said Friday the appropriate place for trial would have been the U.S., and they were recommending no further action.