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Hacker fights US extradition in House of Lords

The hack was described as the biggest in historyThe hack was described as the biggest in history

Monday, 16, Jun 2008 12:00

A British hacker facing extradition to the US is taking his case to the House of Lords.

Scot Gary McKinnon is accused by US authorities of carrying out the "biggest military hack of all time", against US military computers from his home in London.

He claims his only motivation was curiosity, but US prosecutors are taking a serious approach and arguing for up to a 45-year prison sentence.

Former home secretary John Reid granted the extradition request, as did two high court judges who found there was no room to appeal.

Bu the Law Lords want to examine claims by Mr McKinnon's legal team of threats by US authorities in New Jersey, one of which said he "would fry".

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