Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 January 2012.

Extradition

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government in relation to what charges, and from which countries, they have received applications for the extradition of (1) Gary McKinnon, (2) Richard O’Dwyer, and (3) Abu Qatada; how many of those applications are still outstanding; and what would be the maximum sentence for someone found guilty of the equivalent charges in the United Kingdom.

Answer: The United Kingdom has received extradition requests from the United States for Gary McKinnon and Richard O'Dwyer. These are both still outstanding. The maximum sentence for someone found guilty of an offence under Section 2 of the Misuse of Computers Act 1990 would be five years per offence. The maximum sentence for someone found guilty under Section 107(2A) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 would be two years per offence. With respect to Abu Qatada, it is long-standing government policy neither to confirm nor deny that an extradition request has been received for an individual unless or until that person has been arrested pursuant to the request.

Secondary information