The 43-year-old could face a sixty-year prison sentence if found guilty here.

As the Guardian reported earlier this year, "the hacker argued that extradition would have disastrous consequences, including possible psychosis and suicide because of his autistic spectrum medical condition. McKinnon has spoken about his fears, saying that he wakes every morning 'feeling as though someone has taken a sledgehammer to my chest during the night.'"

And today, InTheNews offers this comment by Mark Lever, chief executive of the UK's National Autistic Society: "The NAS has been campaigning to ensure that Gary's Asperger syndrome is taken into account in the decision over his extradition. We are very disappointed by today's decision and feel hugely sympathetic towards Gary and his family who have been living under extreme stress for some time. People with Asperger syndrome are often much more vulnerable than appearances would suggest and can be highly susceptible to additional mental health problems. We will continue to offer advice and information on the condition to those involved with Gary's case."

The legal ramifications and precedents set by this case are well worth watching. We have yet to see many criminal charges filed against defendants with Asperger's, but given the rising rates and increased attention the syndrome is now attracting, we are likely to see more.