James Howells believes his lost hard drive, which contains 8,000 Bitcoins, is in a landfill site.

Summary

James Howells lost 8,000 Bitcoins worth over £500 million when he accidentally threw away a hard drive containing his private key.

He has been trying to retrieve the hard drive from a Newport landfill for over a decade, but the council has refused to allow him access.

Howells is now suing the council for £495 million in damages.

  • Harrk@lemmy.worldEnglish
    15·
    4 days ago

    I pity the guy somewhat. It would be absolute gut wrenching knowing you’ve lost a life changing amount of money. But this reeks of desperation and taking out your anger on somebody else for your own mistake. Now he’s suing the council after failing to bribe them with something that may or may not be recoverable. And if successful, lines his own pockets at the expense of his community’s.

    Accept the expensive life lesson for what it is and move on… It sucks but it’s your own flaming fault and nobody owes you a thing.

    • Fleur_@lemm.eeEnglish
      6·
      3 days ago

      Story like this could’ve got him free pints from strangers in pubs till he dies if he acted with more ‘grace’

      • Steak@lemmy.caEnglish
        3·
        3 days ago

        It’s the thought that he could have owned the whole town and all the pubs and the next 3 towns over as well that keeps him from realizing that.

        Idk if he will ever let it go at this point. I feel like I would have mostly given up after a few years and then after 5+ years it’s just another good story. I don’t feel bad about the time I almost won the lottery. Like I bought the ticket and scratched it and everything. I didn’t win but I was really close. Doesn’t keep me up at night.