This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8298634.stm

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Hacker refused extradition appeal Hacker refused extradition appeal
(10 minutes later)
Computer hacker Gary McKinnon has been refused permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court against his extradition to the US.Computer hacker Gary McKinnon has been refused permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court against his extradition to the US.
The High Court ruled the case was not of "general public importance" to go to the UK's highest court.The High Court ruled the case was not of "general public importance" to go to the UK's highest court.
Glasgow-born Mr McKinnon, 43, of Wood Greem, London, is accused of breaking into the US's military computer system. Glasgow-born Mr McKinnon, 43, of Wood Green, London, is accused of breaking into the US's military computer system.
Mr Mickinnon, who has Asperger's syndrome, insists he was just seeking evidence of UFOs.Mr Mickinnon, who has Asperger's syndrome, insists he was just seeking evidence of UFOs.
In July he lost a High Court bid to avoid extradition.In July he lost a High Court bid to avoid extradition.
'Sacrificial lambs''Sacrificial lambs'
Mr McKinnon could face 60 years in prison if convicted in the US.Mr McKinnon could face 60 years in prison if convicted in the US.
His lawyers have said they may now take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.His lawyers have said they may now take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
They argue that extradition of their client would have "disastrous consequences" for his health, including possible psychosis and suicide.They argue that extradition of their client would have "disastrous consequences" for his health, including possible psychosis and suicide.
Mr McKinnon had challenged the refusal of Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, to put him on trial in the UK on charges of computer misuse - which would have allowed him to avoid extradition.Mr McKinnon had challenged the refusal of Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, to put him on trial in the UK on charges of computer misuse - which would have allowed him to avoid extradition.
Reacting after the latest ruling, his mother Janis Sharp said no other country would offer its citizens to the US so readily "as sacrificial lambs" just to safeguard the special political relationship.Reacting after the latest ruling, his mother Janis Sharp said no other country would offer its citizens to the US so readily "as sacrificial lambs" just to safeguard the special political relationship.
She said: "To use my desperately vulnerable son in this way is despicable, immoral and devoid of humanity."She said: "To use my desperately vulnerable son in this way is despicable, immoral and devoid of humanity."