Judge set to rule on UK 'hacker'

McKinnon says he was researching UFOs

A Briton who allegedly hacked into US defence systems is to learn whether he will be extradited to the US for trial.

Gary McKinnon, 40, of Wood Green, north London, is accused of carrying out the "biggest military hack of all time".

His lawyer told Bow Street Magistrates' Court last month that he could be sent to Guantanamo Bay if extradited.

The US government alleges that for 12 months, Mr McKinnon hacked into dozens of computers used by the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Department of Defense.

McKinnon is alleged to have caused 700,000 dollars (£370,000) worth of damage from February 2001 to March 2002.

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But while he admits he explored military computer networks, he says this was only down to curiosity.

And his lawyers say he was trying to expose lax computer security and access what he believed was withheld information about UFOs.

The US government said it had assured the UK it would not give Mr McKinnon the status of "Military Order Number One", which allows the president to detain suspects indefinitely.

If Judge Nicholas Evans recommends extradition, the final decision rests with the Home Secretary.