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Devon hacker spared jail in US

Image: @Doctor_Tran, Twitter

Marcus Hutchins could have been jailed for up to 10 years

A Devon man's avoided being sent to prison in the US over malicious computer hacking charges.

Marcus Hutchins from Ilfracombe pleaded guilty to creating malware in April, which prosecutors said let cyber-criminals steal online banking details.

It carried a sentence of up to ten years, but the 25-year-old can now carry out one year of supervised release in the UK.

Hutchins had previously helped shut down a cyber attack on the NHS in 2017, and the judge said he had ‘turned a corner’.

Following the verdict, he tweeted: “Sentenced to time served! Incredibly thankful for the understanding and leniency of the judge, the wonderful character letter you all sent, and everyone who helped me through the past two years, both financially and emotionally.”

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