NASA hacker ruling due today

Gary McKinnon's fight to avoid extradition to the US culiminates at Bow Street Magistrates' Court

Gary McKinnon is likely to learn today whether he will be extradited to America to face cybercrime charges.


McKinnon, who lives in London, is accused of hacking into 53 US government computers, including some used by NASA, and causing $700,000 (£375,000) worth of damage.


Judge Nicholas Evans, sitting at Bow Street Magistrates' Court, is expected to rule on Wednesday whether the extradition should go ahead.


The defence has argued that McKinnon could be treated as a suspected terrorist once extradited, under Military Order Number One -- which allows people to be detained indefinitely and tried under military law. Last month, the prosecution produced an unsigned letter from the US Embassy which it said was a guarantee McKinnon would not be tried under the directive.


McKinnon has admitted accessing US government networks, but denies causing any damage. He has claimed that he was looking for, and found, evidence of UFOs and secret military technology.


If Judge Evans rules that the extradition can take place, McKinnon is likely to launch an appeal.



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