Hacker's mother blasts ruling date
The Home Secretary is proposing to decide in mid-October whether to order computer hacker Gary McKinnon's extradition to the US, the High Court has been told.
But McKinnon's mother Janis Sharp made an emotional appeal outside court for Theresa May "to show a little bit of compassion" and make an earlier decision.
Her son's life and that of his family was being "destroyed" by the case and "Gary cannot cope any more", said Mrs Sharp.
One of the reasons given for the delay is the Olympics and Mrs May's crucial role, especially on security.
But Mrs Sharp said: "She could have made a decision before the Olympics. The evidence is there that Gary is unfit for trial and a considerable suicide risk. We need this decision. This delay is wrong - morally wrong."
The announcement of the mid-October date follows the 46-year-old's refusal last week to undergo further medical tests by a Home Office-appointed expert during his battle to avoid removal.
The US authorities want McKinnon, from Wood Green, north London, to face trial for hacking into military computers 10 years ago. He could face a jail sentence of up to 60 years if convicted.
The proposed timing for the Home Secretary's decision was given to London's High Court by Hugo Keith QC, representing Mrs May. If she decides to allow extradition to go ahead, McKinnon's lawyers are expected to launch a last-ditch application for judicial review to challenge the decision.
Mr Keith told Sir John Thomas, president of the Queen's Bench Division, and Mr Justice Globe that the Home Secretary proposed to give her decision "on or around October 16" while Parliament is sitting. Sir John set down a timetable for any subsequent legal challenge, expected to take three to four days, to come to court some time after mid-November.
Mrs Sharp said outside court: "If Theresa May has got an ounce of compassion she would make her decision now before the Olympics because she has any number of medical reports - these delays are destroying my son's life.
