There is a difference, even if you are unable see it. Consider this:
Is linking to copyrighted material Google's sole purpose?
Was linking to copyrighted material the sole purpose of TVShack?
The intent of the person behind the site is clearly important here. Intent is definitely taken in to consideration in cases such as this.
Just for the record, I don't think he should be extradited to the US over this. But I do think his intention was to make money from adverts that were posted next to copyrighted material. Is that a crime in the UK? I don't know, but it is a question that should be answered by the UK courts.