McKinnon files another appeal as extradition looms

Gary McKinnon

Gary McKinnon's lawyers have filed another appeal to try to keep the admitted hacker from being extradited to the US, where he faces trial for breaking into Pentagon and NASA systems.

McKinnon's solicitor Karen Todner and supporters have been arguing that Home Secretary Alan Johnson should halt the extradition, saying the hacker's Asperger's Syndrome and delicate mental state puts him at risk of suicide.

The new legal challenge from his lawyers asks for the high court to reconsider giving McKinnon a fresh hearing. The appeal is based on two new medical reports, which reportedly suggest the American legal system is unable to properly deal with McKinnon's health issues.

Johnson will have 14 days to consider the request before it goes before a judge, meaning McKinnon's extradition has again been slowed.

Click here for our timeline of the Gary McKinnon case.