WWII 'hero' code-breaker Alan Turing pardoned posthumously for gay conviction

World War II code-breaker Alan Turing has been given a royal pardon posthumously for his "unjust" conviction for gay activities 61 years ago.

The hero, who was pivotal to cracking the Enigma code, has also been credited with shortening of the WWII by at least two years; he was chemically castrated for his gay conviction in 1952, the Daily Express reported.

His conviction for "gross indecency" led to the removal of his security clearance, which meant that he was then unable to work for Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), where he had worked following service at Bletchley Park during the war.

As Dr Turing was being granted a pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy by the Queen, following a request by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, PM David Cameron said that he was a "remarkable man.