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Hacker to be extradited

A British man accused of hacking into data networks belonging to the US military and Nasa looks likely to face trial in America after losing an appeal against his extradition.

Gary McKinnon, 42, had tried to prevent being flown to the US by taking his case to the House of Lords.

But his appeal failed, meaning he faces a court in the US and a possible jail sentence of up to 70 years if convicted.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr McKinnon's lawyers said: "We believe that the British government declined to prosecute him to enable the US government to make an example of him."

Mr McKinnon is said to have breached the security and network infrastructure of computers in a number of institutions.

He has not denied breaking into systems but maintains he was motivated by curiosity and a desire to information on UFOs.

An appeal to the European Court of Human rights is now on the cards as he continues to avoid US justice for what has been labelled the biggest-ever military computer hack.