British 'hacker' loses extradition bid

A British man wanted in the US for hacking into defence computer systems has lost his High Court battle against extradition.

Gary McKinnon allegedly carried out the "biggest military computer hack of all time".

The 41-year-old from north London, is accused of gaining access to 97 US military and Nasa computers in 2001 and 2002.

Home Secretary John Reid granted the US request to extradite him for trial but his lawyers argued that he had been subjected to "improper threats" and and the move would breach his human rights.

Supporters say McKinnon is being made a "scapegoat" for the shortcomings of security policies on US military networks.

But Lord Justice Maurice Kay and Mr Justice Goldring said: "We do not find any grounds of appeal" and dismissed his legal challenge.

Ben Cooper, appearing for McKinnon, said a bid would now be made to appeal the case to the House of Lords, the highest court in the land.

Among the issues raised would be alleged threats made by US authorities, including one from New Jersey prosecutors to McKinnon that "he would fry".

Mr Cooper said: "We will certainly be applying for this court to certify a point of law of public importance and to grant leave for the final appeal to the law lords.

He also indicated that McKinnon had been suffering from ill health during recent court hearings and was still receiving treatment from doctors.

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