Using the internet lands 'hacker' back in prison

Ryan Cleary, 19, broke his bail conditions by sending emails (PA)

The alleged computer hacker Ryan Cleary is back behind bars after breaking his bail conditions by using the internet.

Mr Cleary, 19, is accused of being a member of the hacktivist group LulzSec as it carried out a series of attacks on targets including the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency, the CIA and News International.

A court heard that he had contacted the former LulzSec leader Hector Xavier Monsegur four times. Mr Cleary's lawyer said the internet had been the "whole life" of his client, who has Asperger's syndrome, and the conversation was merely social.

Defence counsel Ben Cooper applied to Southwark Crown Court to have the decision overturned after Mr Cleary admitted breaching his bail at Basildon magistrates' court. But the application was refused by Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith.