US President Barack Obama has vowed to leave the fate of Enfield hacker Gary McKinnon in the hands of the UK legal system.

In the strongest hint yet that American officials may drop the extradition pursuit of Mr McKinnon, President Obama promised to be “respectful” of the British systems in place to deal with the case.

The Palmers Green resident is wanted in the USA for hacking into sensitive government databases and allegedly causing damage worth nearly £1 million.

Mr McKinnon suffers from Asperger's Syndrome and has steadfastly claimed to have hacked in to look for signs of UFOs from his then-home in Crouch End. Despite this, US officials have sought his extradition across the Atlantic for several years.

President Obama, speaking at a press conference today during his first state visit to the UK, said: “We have proceeded through all the processes required under our extradition agreements. It's now in the hands of the British legal system.

"We have confidence in the British legal system coming to a just conclusion, and so we will await resolution and we will be respectful of that process."

The case currently rests on the desk of Home Secretary Theresa May, who is seeking expert advice before deciding whether or not to overturn the extradition order hanging over Mr McKinnon.

His case to face justice in the UK has gathered huge support, thanks to the tireless efforts of his mother Janis Sharp who has vocally campaigned on his behalf.

David Burrowes, MP for Southgate, sought assurance from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in Parliament on Tuesday that Mr McKinnon's case would be a topic of discussion during President Obama's visit.

Mr Clegg said the case was being assessed “against the impact on his human rights”, and Prime Minister David Cameron added today: “I totally understand the anguish of his mother and family about this issue. We must follow the proper processes and make sure this case is dealt with in the proper way and I am sure that is the case."