Lauri Love loses appeal against extradition to US

"Horrible decision" says former hacker Jake "Topiary" Davis

Lauri Love, the British-Finnish 31-year-old accused by the FBI of breaking into its systems, those of the US Missile Defence Agency and those of the Federal Reserve Bank in 2013, is one step closer to being extradited to the US to face trial after losing his appeal today.

The judgment was delivered within minutes of the commencement of this afternoon's 2pm session at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Love's lawyer, Tor Ekeland, said Love had "embarrassed" US authorities and that they had "very, very bad security, and these hacks utilised exploits that were publicly-known for months".

Former hacker and ex-Anonymous and LulzSec mouthpiece Jake "Topiary" Davis attended the hearing and live tweeted the verdict, calling it "a horrible decision" and "a mess from the start".

According to Davis, Love was immediately advised by the judge that he could appeal the decision, and that the case would be sent on to the Secretary of State, while he remains, for the time being, on bail.

Outside the court Love, referring to his appeal, told press and supporters:

"This means we've been given a higher platform. There will be justice. Don't let the bastards get you down."

Davis, who has been linked with attacks on the Westboro Baptist Church, Gawker and government websites of Zimbabwe, Syria, Ireland and more, called Love's trial an "absurd ordeal".

"This level of pressure and bullying from the United States is unacceptable. No real evidence delivered to defence at all," he claimed.

"The support for Lauri from both the public and legal experts from multiple countries has been overwhelming. It will continue."

If found guilty by a US court Love could face up to 99 years in prison.