Parents of British cyber security expert who stopped ransomware attack on the NHS say they have 'full confidence' US court will clear him of trying to steal bank data

  • Marcus Hutchins entered a not guilty plea at court in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • He and co-defendant face charges of conspiring to commit computer fraud
  • 23-year-old was arrested on August 2 in Las Vegas on his way home to Devon 
  • His parents have 'full confidence' the US justice system will find him innocent

Marcus Hutchins arrives today at the US federal courthouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marcus Hutchins arrives today at the US federal courthouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The parents of the British cyber security expert credited with stopping the ransomware attack on the NHS have spoken of their faith in the US judiciary as he fights FBI hacking charges.

In their first joint statement since Marcus Hutchins, 23, was arrested two weeks ago, Des and Janet Hutchins insisted their son would be found innocent of all charges.

They said evidence would show allegations of computer fraud, and the creation of malicious software to steal banking details, would prove unfounded.

They also thanked friends and supporters for their ‘belief in his values.’

Des Hutchins said: ‘Janet and I have full confidence in the United States judicial system.

‘Once all the evidence is available we have no doubt that Marcus will be seen as an innocent party.

‘Our family is grateful for everyone’s messages of support, and their belief in his values, as he tries to clear his name.’

He added: ‘We hope people will understand that we can make no further comment at this time.

‘Marcus’s case is in the hands of his lawyers.’

The Hutchins, from Ilfracombe, North Devon, made their comments amid criticism that the indictment filed by US prosecutors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is vague.

Five charges relate to computer fraud, attempting to intercept electronic communications and attempting to access a computer without authorisation.

Court documents offer few details about alleged victims and a co-defendant’s name has been redacted.

Hutchins (right), 23, and a co-defendant face charges of conspiring to commit computer fraud

Hutchins (right), 23, and a co-defendant face charges of conspiring to commit computer fraud

Some cyber-security experts have warned that Hutchins’ prosecution will deter them from helping governments tackle malicious software threats.

However the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre said it had seen no reduction in alerts posted on its CiSP (Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership) website.

It is alleged Hutchins’ illegal activity occurred between July 2014 and July 2015 - well before he was hailed a national hero for saving NHS computers from the WannaCry ‘ransomware’ virus.

He was arrested at Las Vegas airport by the FBI on August 2 as he tried to fly home from a cyber-security convention.

Hutchins has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been freed on $30,000 bail on condition that he does not leave the US.

The court has permitted him access to computers for work purposes and he is expected to live in Los Angeles, where his employers Kryptos Logic are based, until a pre-trial hearing set for October 17th.

His lawyer Marcia Hofmann said he would ‘vigorously defend himself’ against the charges’.

She added: ‘When the evidence comes to light, we are confident that he will be fully vindicated.’

In his first public comments since his arrest, Hutchins revealed that he will be able to go online once more and that he plans to write a blog as a result of relaxed bail conditions.

On his Twitter account he wrote: 'There's a lot of people I'd like to thank for amazing support over the past 11 days, which I will do when I get a chance to publish my blog.

Hutchins  found a 'kill switch' that slowed the outbreak of WannaCry virus four months ago

Hutchins found a 'kill switch' that slowed the outbreak of WannaCry virus four months ago

'I'm still on trial, still not allowed to go home, still on house arrest; but now I am allowed online. Will get my computers back soon.'

He also cracked a joke in his Tweets on Monday with a list of things to do during the Def Con convention he was attending before his arrest.

The list included partying, renting supercars, visiting Red Rock Canyon - and being 'indicted by the FBI'. 

Prosecutors allege that before Hutchins won acclaim he created and distributed a malicious software called Kronos to steal banking passwords from unsuspecting computer users.  

Hutchins is free on $30,000 (£23,000) bail, but with strict conditions. 

His bond has been modified so that he can stay in Los Angeles near his attorney and travel anywhere in the US, but Hutchins is not allowed to leave the country. 

Its alleged Hutchins’ illegal activity occurred between July 2014 and July 2015 - well before the 23-year-old was hailed a hero for saving the NHS from the WannaCry ‘ransomware’ virus

Its alleged Hutchins’ illegal activity occurred between July 2014 and July 2015 - well before the 23-year-old was hailed a hero for saving the NHS from the WannaCry ‘ransomware’ virus

He is currently staying at a hotel in Milwaukee. A pre-trial hearing has been set for October 17. 

Hutchins faces decades in prison if convicted on all the charges.  

After the hearing, defence lawyer Marcia Hofmann said she is confident he will be found not guilty at a trial.

She said: 'Marcus Hutchins is a brilliant young man and a hero.

'He is going to vigorously defend himself against these charges and when the evidence comes to light, we are confident that he will be fully vindicated.'

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