Computer hacker Gary McKinnon could be extradited before Christmas

HOPES for a last minute reprieve for Crouch End computer hacker Gary McKinnon have been dashed after the Home Secretary said the government was powerless to intervene. His mum Janis Sharp has criticised Alan Johnson s decision to extradite her son to the

HOPES for a last minute reprieve for Crouch End computer hacker Gary McKinnon have been dashed after the Home Secretary said the government was powerless to intervene.

His mum Janis Sharp has criticised Alan Johnson's decision to extradite her son to the US as "miserable and cruel".

McKinnon, who has Asperger's syndrome, is said to be at serious risk of suicide after Mr Johnson rejected the last-ditch attempt to prevent his extradition.

He faces extradition to the US before Christmas unless a final attempt to seek a judicial review or an intervention from the European Court of Human Rights succeeds.

The Home Secretary was considering new medical evidence and whether the extradition would breach Mr McKinnon's human rights.

A letter to Mr McKinnon's family says "the secretary of state is of the firm view that McKinnon's extradition would not be incompatible with his (human) rights" and his extradition must proceed forthwith.

Ms Sharp said: "This is a cruel and miserable decision. If the severity of Gary's mental condition isn't sufficient to prevent his extradition, I can't imagine what is. God help others facing a similar fate.

"Who exactly is our government's loyalty to? - Certainly not its own citizens. We have seven days to seek a judicial review of this awful decision, or an intervention from the European Court of Human Rights.

"If not, Gary could be extradited before Christmas - what a heartless and cowardly decision this is.