No, we don't want to make any allowance for madness, do we? That would send the wrong message to the mad.

No one, to my knowledge, on either side of the prosecution, or on either side of the pond, has suggested "madness" here.

Clearly though he's going to get the book thrown at him stateside, or why have they pushed for this extradition so hard for so long?

It's anything BUT clear that 'he's going to get the book thrown at him stateside'. The charged conduct, in I don't know how many counts, is severe and potentially dangerous enough that the US officials MUST vigorously pursue the admitted perpetrator, and MUST determine, to the extent they can, the extent and nature of the security breach(es).

The "only UFO" claim, if found believable, and the Asperger's status will of course feed into mitigation at disposition. So will such cooperation as he deigns to give. So will the potentiality of deterrence of other future hackers, whatever their motivation and/or mental status.   

And as to the purported quote, "American officials involved in this case have stated that they want to see him 'fry'," I am extremely doubtful that anyone in any remotely responsible position said any such thing. Who is it that is claimed to have said that?

Dave Oesterreich