A judge has ruled against James Howells, halting his decade-long attempt to recover a Bitcoin hard drive worth nearly $750 million. The hard drive, which contains his Bitcoin fortune, was accidentally discarded in a landfill in Newport, Wales, back in 2013.
The Battle for the Bitcoin
Howells, 39, initiated legal proceedings to retrieve the hard drive, offering to fully fund the excavation process. In addition, he proposed sharing 25% of the recovered Bitcoin with the Newport City Council. However, the council denied his request, sparking a legal battle that has lasted for 10 years.
Judge’s Ruling
On Thursday, Circuit Commercial Judge for Wales, Judge Keyser, dismissed Howells’ lawsuit, stating that there were “no reasonable grounds” for the claim. The judge also mentioned that there was “no realistic prospect” of success if the case were to proceed to a full trial.
Judge Keyser supported the council’s argument that it owned the hard drive, rendering Howells’ claim invalid.
Howells’ Reaction
Howells expressed his frustration with the ruling, calling it a “kick in the teeth.” He felt the case being struck out at the earliest hearing denied him the opportunity for justice or even a chance to explain his side in a full trial.
“I’ve been trying to engage with Newport City Council in every way possible for the past 12 years,” Howells said. “It’s not about greed, I’m happy to share the proceeds, but nobody in a position of power will have a decent conversation with me.”
He added, “This ruling has taken everything from me and left me with nothing. It’s the great British injustice system striking again.”
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