CROUCH End computer hacker Gary McKinnon has been granted a last-minute reprieve, much to his family s relief. A High Court judge is now set to rule on whether Home Secretary Alan Johnson was wrong to allow the extradition of Mr McKinnon in the face of ne

CROUCH End computer hacker Gary McKinnon has been granted a last-minute reprieve, much to his family's relief.

A High Court judge is now set to rule on whether Home Secretary Alan Johnson was wrong to allow the extradition of Mr McKinnon in the face of new medical evidence.

The judicial review will examine Johnson's decision that a US trial would not breach his human rights. A hearing is likely to take place in April or May.

Former Highgate Wood school pupil Mr McKinnon, 43, is facing up to 60 years in jail in America for hacking into the US military computer system. The Asperger's sufferer said he was looking for evidence of UFOs.

His mother Janis Sharp said: "I am really pleased, absolutely delighted. It has been such a horrible time and I did not expect this but I always said that we only needed one good person to say enough is enough.

"He is a very senior judge and the fact he is allowing us to have a judicial review is very promising.

"Gary is in shock - he cannot believe it. The relief is incredible because he did not expect it.

"We know there is still no decision yet but we have got a few more months and a judge that is taking it seriously.

"I just wish the government would stop this now. The best thing would be if Alan Johnson decided now to put a stop to it."

A Home Office spokesman said: "We note the court's decision to grant permission to Mr McKinnon for a further judicial review.

"This means that there will be a substantive hearing on a date to be arranged by the court.

"As the case is before the courts, we do not propose, pending the outcome, to comment further.