Hacker Gary McKinnon's extradition case delayed

The case against a computer hacker who faced extradition to the US on charges of breaking in to sensitive military computers has been adjourned.

New Home Secretary Theresa May gave Gary McKinnon a glimmer of hope earlier today when she agreed his case should be delayed.

Mr McKinnon's lawyers have fought a long-running series of court battles, and this was expected to be his last-ditch bid to avoid extradition.

Mr McKinnon's legal team had been due at the High Court next Tuesday for a judicial review, where a judge was expected to decide if their latest challenge should go to a full hearing.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Home Secretary considered the proposal from Gary McKinnon's legal team and agreed an adjournment should be sought. An application was sent to the court today. The High Court has confirmed it has granted an adjournment."

His lawyer Karen Todner earlier said the Home Secretary was examining medical evidence supporting their case against extradition.

Ms Todner argued that there was evidence showing McKinnon was suicidal and could not survive the American prison system.

She added that Ms May wanted to have "appropriate time" to consider the issues.