HOPES Palmers Green computer hacker Gary McKinnon will avoid extradition have been renewed after the new home secretary agreed to review his case.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Mr McKinnon appealed to the secretary of state in advance of a judicial review scheduled for next week.

The proceedings have now been adjourned to give Ms May time to "fully consider" the issues in the case, as well as fresh representions from Mr McKinnon's legal team.

His lawyer Karen Todner said: "I hope this may be a signal of a more compassionate and caring home secretary, and one that is willing to defend the rights of our citizens."

The unemployed 44-year-old, diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, is accused of hacking into top secret military computers in the United States more than 97 times from his home computer while living in Crouch End.

He claims he was only seeking information on UFOs.

It was in October 2004, that the US government first requested that British-born McKinnon be extradited to face the charges.

If found guilty, he could face a jail sentence of up to 60 years under terrorism laws.

American officials claim Mr McKinnon infiltrated systems at the Department of Defence, the US armed forces and NASA, causing $700,000 (£354,000) damage and threatening national security.

During interviews under caution, Mr McKinnon admitted targeting high level US army, navy and air force computers, using the codename 'Solo'.