LONDON: A man accused of launching cyber attacks on targets including the FBI, US Army, Nasa and Department of Defence has won his battle against being extradited to the US.

The High Court ruled that Lauri Love should be tried in Britain after Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett and Justice Ouseley heard he suffered severe mental illness and may kill himself.

Speaking outside the court, an elated Love expressed his thanks to the judges, adding: “I’m thankful for all the support we’ve had, without which I’m not sure I would have made it this far.”

Flanked by his parents, girlfriend and supporters chanting his name, he added: “The reason I’ve gone through this ordeal is not just to save myself from being kidnapped and locked up for 99 years in a country I’ve never understood, but to set a precedent whereby this will not happen to other people in the future, and that if there is suspected criminality it will be tried here in the UK and America will not try to exercise its extra-territorial jurisdiction.

“We’re hopeful that other people may be able to rely on this verdict to ensure they are treated more humanely by the justice system.” Love and his parents were in court for the hearing, while supporters gathered outside holding signs reading “trial at home” and “free Love.”

Liberty, which was among the groups making representations in the case, said it was “delighted” with the result.

Emma Norton, the group’s head of legal casework, said: “Where unlawful activity is alleged to have taken place in the UK, those suspected should be tried in the UK – not packed off to foreign courts and unfamiliar legal systems.

“This is especially important in cases of vulnerable people like Lauri Love…this was always a case that could have been prosecuted here and it’s shameful that Lauri and his family have been put through this terrible ordeal.”

The 32-year-old’s family said they feared he would kill himself if sent to an American prison, following a long history of serious mental health issues including depression and psychotic episodes.

Love has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and also suffers from severe eczema related to his anxiety.

Representing Love at a hearing in November, Edward Fitzgerald QC, had said there were “overwhelming reasons of justice and humanity” why any trial should take place in the UK.