Accused LulzSec spokesman out on bail

LONDON - A British court has freed on bail a teenager accused of acting as spokesman for computer hacking groups LulzSec and Anonymous.

Eighteen-year-old Jake Davis was arrested last week at his home on Scotland's remote Shetland Islands by the police e-crime unit. He is accused of mounting a cyberattack on Britain's Serious Organized Crime Agency and other offenses.

Police say he used the online nickname Topiary and acted as a spokesman for the two hacktivist groups, which have been linked to attacks on Britain's National Health Service, Sony Corp., The Sun newspaper and other targets.

In a statement to CNET, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said that it wouldn't "speculate" about Davis' alleged activities.

"I'm afraid that, given court proceedings are now active, it would be inappropriate for us to speculate over who the man charged--Jake Davis--might be," the Metropolitan Police spokesman said. "It is up to the court to decide."

However, IDG News quoted a police spokesman who described Davis as a prominent member of LulzSec and Anonymous who goes by the nickname "Topiary." The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that claim to the Wall Street Journal.

Davis appeared Monday at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Judge Howard Riddle ordered him released on bail - on condition he not use the Internet - until a court appearance Aug. 30.