Judge to rule on extradition of Scots hacker Gary McKinnon

A HIGH Court judge will rule on whether Home Secretary Alan Johnson was wrong to allow the extradition of Scots-born computer hacker Gary McKinnon.

Mr McKinnon's lawyers have been granted permission for judicial review of Mr Johnson's decision that sending him to the United States for trial would not breach his human rights.

A hearing is likely to take place in April or May.

Mr McKinnon's mother, Janis Sharp, said: "I can't believe it – some common sense at last. This judge has made such an honourable and decent decision. The relief is incredible, indescribable.

"We've fought for so long for compassion and understanding. Gary's health has badly declined."

His lawyer, Karen Todner, said she was "delighted". She warned that Glasgow-born Mr McKinnon, who suffers from a form of autism known as Asperger's syndrome, was in a "very poor mental state" because of stress.