Mckinnon loses extradition appeal

Mckinnon: Accused of deleting files

British hacker Gary Mckinnon has lost his fight against extradition and now faces trial in the US.

If found guilty, Mckinnon could be given a life sentence for what US prosecuters allege is "the biggest military hack of all time".

The self-confessed "computer nerd" lost the appeal to Law Lords this morning after losing an appeal at the High Court in 2006.

Mckinnon has never denied hacking activities, but has claimed that he was not motivated by malice but was looking for evidence of the existence of UFOs.

The US government claims he deleted files and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

He stands accused of illegally accessing 97 American military and NASA computers from his London home.

Last month Mckinnon told Computing that one US prosecutor said the US wants to see him "fry ".

McKinnon's solicitors said they will apply to the European Courts to prevent his extradition.