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James Howells, a 39-year-old IT worker from Newport, Wales, has lost his decade-long legal battle to recover a hard drive containing Bitcoin worth nearly $750 million. The hard drive, discarded in a landfill in 2013, holds 8,000 Bitcoins, now valued at a fortune, but its recovery has been blocked by the Newport City Council and, most recently, a court ruling.
Howells had offered to fund the excavation entirely and share 25% of the recovered cryptocurrency with the council, but his proposal was repeatedly rejected. Seeking legal recourse, he filed a lawsuit to gain permission for the excavation, but on Thursday, Judge Keyser of the Circuit Commercial Court for Wales dismissed the case, stating it had "no reasonable grounds" and "no realistic prospect of success."
In his ruling, the judge sided with the council, asserting that it owned the hard drive and that Howells had no entitlement to retrieve it. "The council's argument constitutes a complete defense to the claims," Judge Keyser concluded.
Howells expressed deep disappointment over the decision, describing it as a "kick in the teeth" and lamenting the missed opportunity to present his case fully in court. "The case being struck out at the earliest hearing denies me the chance to explain myself or seek justice," he said.
For over a decade, Howells has made persistent efforts to negotiate with the council, emphasizing that his pursuit is not driven by greed. "I've tried every possible way to communicate with the council. It's not about greed - I'm willing to share the proceeds - but no one in a position of power is willing to have a proper conversation with me," he said.
Howells has frequently voiced his frustration at being denied the chance to recover what he believes is rightfully his. "This ruling has taken everything from me and left me with nothing," he added, comparing the court’s decision to the broader challenges of seeking justice in the UK legal system.
Despite the setback, the case has drawn significant public attention, with many sympathizing with Howells' plight while others highlight the legal and environmental concerns of excavating a landfill.
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