Dr Alan Turing has recently been given a posthumous pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy by the Queen after receiving a request from Justice Secretary Chris Grayling. There has been a long campaign to clear Dr Turing’s name, including a well-supported e-petition and Private Member’s Bill along with support from leading scientists such as Sir Stephen Hawking, The pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy will come into effect today Dr Turing been described as the ‘father of modern computing’.
“Dr Alan Turing was an exceptional man with a brilliant mind. His brilliance was put into practice at Bletchley Park during the Second World War where he was pivotal to breaking the ‘Enigma’ code, helping to end the war and save thousands of lives.” Mr Grayling commented.
“Dr Turing was convicted in 1952 for homosexual activity which was illegal at the time and resulted in a sentence of ‘chemical castration’. As well as physical and emotional damage, his conviction led to the removal of his security clearance and meant he was no longer able to work for Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) where he had continued to work following service at Bletchley Park during the War.” Prime Minister Cameron commented

A pardon is only normally granted when the person is innocent of the offence and where a request has been made by someone with a vested interest such as a family member.