Date set for autistic computer hacker facing extradition to US

A former Glasgow University student facing extradition to America for computer hacking will learn his fate in September.

Lauri Love was in court at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London yesterday to hear the final legal arguments for and against him being sent to America.

The 31 year old is accused of hacking into and stealing information from the US Federal Reserve, Nasa and the FBI.

His father, Reverend Alexander Love from Glasgow fears his son will kill himself if sent to America as he suffers from Asperger's and depression.

According to his legal representative, Love - who faces charges of hacking as part of the Anonymous collective in 2013 - could serve up to 99 years in prison in the US.

His legal team are calling for him to be spared extradition due to him suffering from the same health issues as Scot Gary McKinnon.

McKinnon - who was accused of illegally accessing US Department of Defense servers - had similarly faced extradition to the US on hacking charges, but the process was eventually blocked by then-home secretary Theresa May in 2012, citing fragile mental health.

The defence previously argued during two days of testimony that Love, given his condition, would struggle in the US prison system, and said that he should instead face trial in the UK.

His extradition has been requested by three jurisdictions: New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia.

Love remains on bail until the ruling on September 16.

Both sides will be able to appeal against the judgement.