Alleged Pentagon hacker out on bail

After each break-in, McKinnon discovered computer accounts with passwords the same as each employee’s username then installed popular remote-control software called “RemotelyAnywhere.”

But McKinnon blundered badly by supplying his girlfriend’s e-mail address when he downloaded his copy of RemotelyAnywhere from the software’s manufacturer, leading authorities to him once they uncovered the break-ins.

McKinnon, who waved and blew a kiss toward his parents as he entered court, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Police arrested the former computer engineer, known online as “Solo,” at his home in Wood Green, north London, Tuesday evening under an extradition warrant, the Metropolitan Police said.

When the case was first revealed in late 2002, U.S. officials said McKinnon faced up to 10 years in prison plus fines of $250,000 on each of eight counts.

District Judge Christopher Pratt set several conditions for the $9,200 bail, including that McKinnon be barred from applying for any travel documents and from using any computer equipment that gives access to the Internet.

In arguing for low bail, defense lawyer Mohammed Khamisa emphasized McKinnon’s lack of prior criminal convictions. He also told the court that since McKinnon’s initial arrest, he had made no attempt to leave the country or evade the attention of authorities since being released.

“Mr. McKinnon, as you know, has been expecting this for about four years now,” Khamisa told the court.

British prosecutors concluded that while Britain could have jurisdiction, it would be impractical to try the case here. They said that it arose from an American-led investigation of offenses committed in the United States and that the evidence and witnesses needed to prosecute were all in America.

Outside the court, Todner told reporters that any charges should be dealt with in British courts.

“Mr. McKinnon intends to contest his extradition vigorously. Of particular concern to him is the treatment of other British nationals under the American judicial system, which inspires little confidence,” she said.

“We believe that as a British national he should be tried here in our courts by a British jury and not in the U.S.”

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