Man Seeking to Recover 8,000 Bitcoin from UK Landfill Loses Appeal, Plans to Pursue Human Rights Case

A UK man’s ongoing battle to recover a hard drive containing the private keys to 8,000 Bitcoin from a landfill has hit another major setback. The UK Court of Appeals recently rejected his bid to obtain a permit to search the landfill, a decision that may now lead him to pursue an international human rights case.

The Appeal Rejected: "No Real Prospect of Success"

James Howells, an early Bitcoin adopter, had hoped to search the Docksway landfill in Newport, Wales, where his former partner accidentally disposed of a hard drive in 2013. The hard drive reportedly holds the private keys to a stash of 8,000 Bitcoin — currently valued at around $660 million. However, the UK Court of Appeals, led by Judge Christopher Nugee, dismissed Howells' appeal, stating that there was “no real prospect of success” and no “compelling reason” to hear the case. 

In a post on March 14, Howells expressed his frustration, saying: “Appeal request to the Royal Court of Appeal: refused. The Great British Injustice System strikes again… The state always protects the state.” Despite this setback, Howells vowed to continue his legal fight, revealing that his “next stop” would be the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

A Lengthy Legal Battle

Howells’ legal journey began after he discovered the hard drive was mistakenly discarded when his partner cleaned out their house. Despite numerous attempts to recover the lost Bitcoin, including several applications to the Newport City Council for permission to search the landfill, Howells has been met with rejection after rejection. 

Earlier this year, the High Court also dismissed his case. Judge Andrew Keyser ruled in January that there was "no realistic prospect" of success for Howells’ claim, which sought to compel the authorities to allow a search of the landfill.

Howells, however, remains determined. In a statement shared with *Cointelegraph*, he said he planned to file a claim with the ECHR, arguing that his rights to property and a fair trial, as guaranteed by the European Convention, had been violated. Specifically, he contends that the decisions made by the UK courts breach **Article 1 of Protocol 1** (protection of property) and **Article 6** (right to a fair trial).

“The British establishment wants to sweep this under the carpet, and I will not let them,” Howells said. “It will not go away — no matter how long it takes!”

A Potential International Case

While the ECHR cannot directly overturn UK court decisions, a ruling in Howells’ favor could push UK courts to reconsider how their legislation aligns with the Convention's provisions. Howells plans to file his claim to the ECHR in the "coming weeks," marking a new phase in his legal struggle.

The Urgency of the Situation

The urgency surrounding Howells' case is growing, as the Docksway landfill is scheduled to close during the 2025-2026 financial year. With time running out, the clock is ticking for Howells to recover the hard drive, which contains a significant portion of his fortune. 

The case also highlights an important lesson for Bitcoin holders: the risks of failing to properly secure self-custodied funds. At the time of the hard drive’s disposal, Bitcoin’s value was nowhere near the heights it has reached today, and Howells’ predicament serves as a stark reminder of how easily fortunes can be lost if private keys are not stored safely.

As Howells prepares for his next legal move, his determination to recover the lost Bitcoin remains unshaken. While his options within the UK legal system may be exhausted, he hopes the European courts will offer a new path toward securing the Bitcoin he believes is rightfully his.