But that's not relevant. At all. And, it weakens the criticism of the prosecution: "I hate to defend this guy, but..."

It's akin to saying, "Alan Turing is gay, but he's done some good work in cryptography anyway..." ... that example only seems ridiculous now because social mores have changed.

Weev's character would have relevance in a discussion about whether or not he deserves a Great Justice award, not whether or not the prosecution in this case is just or not.

It's relevant because I've seen more than a few people try to advance Weev as some sort of Aaron Swartz-style culture hero. As a part of this culture, I don't want that to happen. I don't want anyone to ever cite Weev as a personal inspiration, I don't want to see his name listed alongside people like Swartz or Bradley as an innocent hacker victimized for trying to do the right thing. If you want to use him as a test case for an unjust and poorly-interpreted law, that's fine, but don't tell me that the discussion has never been about whether Weev is a great guy, because I've seen it happen; and don't try to tell me that the truth is not relevant.

Weev is proud of hurting innocent people. He brags about it. He wants us to know. And I'm sure as hell not going to try to cover that up on his behalf, or tolerate those who do.

And here's a bit from Kathy Sierra, one of Weev's actual victims, unlike you or me:

"His rise as a folk hero is a sign of how desensitized to the abuse of women online people have become. I get so angry at the tech press, the way they try to spin him as a trickster, a prankster. It’s like they feel they have to at least say he’s a jerk. Openly admitting you enjoy ‘ruining lives for lulz’ is way past being a ‘jerk’. And it wasn’t just my life. He included my kids in his work. I think he does belong in prison for crimes he has committed, but what he’s in for now is not one of those crimes. I hate supporting the Free Weev movement, but I do."