McKinnon lost his appeal in July in Britain's highest court, the House of Lords, which ruled the seriousness of the charges would carry a maximum life sentence under English law for what has been called "the biggest military hack of all time."

McKinnon's lawyers said the case was not handled properly by prosecuting authorities. "We believe that the British government declined to prosecute him to enable the US government to make an example of him. American officials involved in this case have stated they want to see him 'fry'."

If convicted of hacking the Pentagon, U.S. army, navy and NASA, McKinnon faces up to 70 years in prison and fines of up to $1.75 million.