Bitcoin landfill man loses appeal, says he has one ‘last legal option’
A UK man’s ambitious attempt to search a landfill in pursuit of a lost hard drive — containing the private keys to 8,000 Bitcoin — has faced yet another setback. The UK Court of Appeals recently denied James Howells’ petition to obtain a permit to search the Docksway landfill in Newport, Wales, where he believes the hard drive was mistakenly disposed of in 2013.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on March 14, Howells expressed his frustration, proclaiming, “The Great British Injustice System strikes again… The state always protects the state.” He indicated that he would be taking his case to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as a subsequent recourse.
Howells’ appeal was turned down by Judge Christopher Nugee, who emphasized that there was no “real prospect of success” and offered “no compelling reason” for the case to be reconsidered. This ruling follows an earlier dismissal from High Court Judge Andrew Keyser on January 9, which echoed the sentiment that there was no realistic possibility of success for Howells’ case at trial.
In subsequent statements, Howells noted that he is now exploring his “last legal option” at the ECHR. His claims will focus on violations of his property and fair trial rights as stipulated in Article 1 of Protocol 1 and Article 6 of the ECHR. He remains defiant, asserting, “The British establishment want to sweep this under the carpet, and I will not let them. It will not go away — no matter how long it takes!”
While the ECHR holds no authority to overturn UK court decisions, a favorable ruling for Howells might prompt UK courts to reassess whether their interpretations align with ECHR provisions. He plans to file a claim with the ECHR in the coming weeks.
Howells’ attempt to locate his digital fortune has faced consistent hurdles, including repeated rejections from Newport City Council regarding permission to search the landfill. The hard drive’s fate became intertwined with the whims of time, as the Docksway landfill is reported to be scheduled for closure during the UK’s 2025-2026 financial year, adding a sense of urgency to Howells’ quest.
Currently valued at approximately $660 million, Howells’ lost Bitcoin underscores the critical importance of securing self-custodied crypto funds. As this legal saga unfolds, it serves as a striking reminder of the complexities associated with digital asset ownership in today’s evolving landscape.
For more information on Howells’ legal challenges and the broader implications for digital asset custody, follow updates on Cointelegraph.
