Attempts to extradite Gillingham FC’s former vice-chairman to America have been rejected after a court found the bid to be “disproportionate”.

Michael Anderson could face up to 60 years in prison if found guilty of conspiring to defraud a US government healthcare scheme for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families.

The 70-year-old was arrested at Heathrow Airport in August 2021 after Interpol alerted authorities he was on a flight returning from a holiday in Portugal.

He was then locked up in Wandsworth Prison, south west London, before being released when his family paid £400,000 bail and on condition he remained at his £2.8 million West Malling home.

The businessman, who has always maintained his innocence, has faced numerous extradition hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

But this has now been “discharged” and no appeal has yet been lodged from American proscutors.

Mr Anderson says while he is “relieved” at the decision, the indictment made by a grand jury in Florida six years ago has taken its toll.

He said: “It has cost me my reputation, my marriage, my health and my house. I can’t tell you the full story behind this until it is finalised.

“I have done everything the authorities have asked of me. I’ve taken two lie detector tests which have proved in my favour.

“The Americans have not appealed which is apparently unheard of.”

The prosecution had argued Mr Anderson, who has UK and Irish passports, was "likely to abscond".

But Ben Watson, defending, said his client was a well-known public figure who had travelled extensively during the years US authorities had wanted him and had always returned to his home set in a private estate.

Mr Watson told the court his client was an unwell man and had gone through an amicable divorce with wife Sophie who was present in court.

In recent years, he'd suffered two heart attacks and had to have six stents fitted.

Furthermore, he was hospitalised with Covid-19 between December and January when he also developed pneumonia.

Mr Watson also pointed out that US authorities had wanted Anderson for questioning since September 2017, but had made little effort to approach him directly.

His lawyers are currently in talks with the legal team in America to reach an outcome.

The alleged crimes took place between June 2014 and December 2015 in Florida, where he ran a drugs company and involved a sum of nearly £4.4 million.

“It has cost me my reputation, my marriage, my health and my house”

The retired company boss also has two indictments for money laundering.

It is claimed he and conspirators were involved in an elaborate scam generating false prescriptions before submitting fraudulent reimbursements.

When the allegations were revealed to former Gills’ chairman Paul Scally, Anderson agreed to step down as vice-chairman with immediate effect.

He held the position for three years and was also a non-executive director of the club.

Mr Scally said he was “shocked” when KentOnline made him aware of the situation.