Timeline: No escape as the long arm of the law stretches from America

2002 - Brian Howes and Kerry Shanks form a relationship.

March 2005 - Living in Middlesbrough, Howes is investigated for ordering a handgun on the internet and computer information about the sale of chemicals prompts an investigation in the United States.

April - Family moves to Scotland.

September 2006 - Indictment filed in Arizona charging Howes and Shanks with unlawful importation into the US of chemicals which could be used to manufacture methamphetamine, "crystal meth".

November - Extradition request lodged in Scotland.

2007 - Howes and Shanks are detained and held for seven months before they are allowed bail.

April 2008 - Howes and Shanks marry.

May - Scottish ministers make extradition orders.

January 2009 - Appeal due to be heard in March, but the couple have just instructed new lawyers.

May - Mrs Howes give birth to a child.

December - Court rejects mental health contention Mrs Howes has raised to avoid extradition.

2010 - Appeals continue to be delayed on a variety of grounds, and the court hears Mrs Howes has again become pregnant.

January 2011 - Howes announces during appeal hearing his wife, seven months' pregnant, has been taken to hospital.

March - Mrs Howes gives birth.

April - Hearing resumes. Howes "attempts suicide" by an overdose then fails to return to court after treatment. After a warrant is issued for his arrest he remains in custody for the rest of the hearing.

July - Mrs Howes joins her husband in custody to await extradition.