Howells V Newport City Council [2025] EWHC

The Claimant had disposed of a hard drive at the local tip said to contain a passkey which would enable him to access his Bitcoin. He sought a declaration that title to the hard drive remained with him and he ought therefore be granted access to the site to recover the same or, alternatively, damages for the loss of value of his Bitcoin, in the sum of £598million.

HHJ Keyser KC held the Particulars of Claim disclosed no reasonable grounds for bringing the claim, there was no realistic prospect of succeeding at trial and further there was no other compelling reason why the matter should be disposed of at trial. Further, the Claimant, despite being aware of the facts in 2013 did not commence proceedings until May 2024 with the effect his claim was statute barred by lapse of time. The judgment can be found here.

BBC article: https://lnkd.in/emdbqgtb

Newport City Council were successfully represented by Olivia Chaffin-Laird, led by James Goudie KC of 11KBW