Online reports have revealed that Craig Wright has skipped his UK court hearing today due to alleged lack of travel resources. An Australian computer scientist is facing contempt of court charges in connection with his lawsuit against the developers of Bitcoin Core and could face a prison sentence if the claim is proven.
COPA vs. The Wright Saga continues
On Wednesday, Australian computer scientist and self-proclaimed Bitcoin inventor Craig Wright was expected to appear at London’s Royal Court of Justice to attend a contempt hearing.
The audience reported that Wright did not appear in court “due to lack of transportation.” According to a transcript of the hearing shared by BitMEX Research, a person who identified himself as Satoshi Nakamoto informed participants via email that he would not be attending.
In October, the Cryptocurrency Open Patent Alliance (COPA) filed a contempt petition in response to Wright’s $1.2 billion lawsuit against Bitcoin Core Developers and Jack Dorsey’s Square Up European Ltd.
In the contempt motion, COPA argued that the computer scientist violated an injunction from the main Bitcoin Authorship case. The order ordered Wright to acknowledge that he is not Satoshi Nakamoto and to cease any further legal action related to the rejected copyright claims.
In early November in court, the fake Satoshi denied COPA’s allegations, saying that his latest legal battle was “very different” from an identity claim as it was based on his “investment in the development, maintenance, and expansion of the Bitcoin Blockchain.” “
Based on this, Wright, who is representing himself in the case, said that he is not disrespectful but added that he is willing to amend his case if the court finds him to be in violation of the court’s order.
In context, the self-proclaimed Bitcoin author said in the lawsuit that the developers of Bitcoin Core and all associated organizations misrepresented BTC as the original Bitcoin, adding that Bitcoin SV (BSV) is the real version.
Judge Mellor stayed Wright’s case while the Contempt case was settled, and scheduled a trial for December 18. During the trial, the parties argued that Wright’s assistance was needed in person, as he attended the first trial via video from Singapore.
In a subsequent hearing, the court ordered Wright to return to the UK for today’s hearing.
COPA Calls for 2-Year Sentence for Bitcoin Core Crime
COPA’s legal representative, Jonathan Hough, revealed that the non-profit organization offered to cover his travel expenses. It appears that Wright refused the offer, saying “it will not be compensated for the loss of his business.”
“This is the first time that CSW says it has no means of transportation. “He placed orders worth around £10m at the start of the year, so this latest excuse deserves serious scepticism,” said Hough.
The email exchange continued, with the Australian computer scientist saying he would need £240,000 to cover travel costs and business losses:
It comes in at £240,000. Due to COPA actions, I cannot work as expected. However, even with this money I would not be able to work properly, and I would not be able to go and complete these obligations.
Notably, Hough asked for “a 2-year sentence and a subsequent 6-month term if CSW does not drop the new claim,” noting that Wright “remains powerless to avoid consequences.”
After confirming that Wright was not present, British High Court Judge James Mellor decided to continue the hearing and issue a verdict on Thursday, December 19 at 2 pm UK time. The judge asked the COPA attorney to invite Wright to the sentencing hearing before ending the session.
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $105,000 in the one-week chart. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView
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