The crypto-entrepreneur whose claim to be bitcoin inventor 'Satoshi Nakamoto' was demolished by the High Court earlier this year today refused to attend a contempt hearing - despite an offer by his litigation opponents to cover his air fare plus loss of earnings.
Dr Craig Wright, who is presumed to be in Indonesia or Singapore, had been ordered to appear before Mr Justice Mellor to face an application for contempt of court over his alleged breach of a July court order made following the same judge's ruling that Wright's claim to be 'Satoshi' was false. His opponent, the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), is seeking an order committing Wright to prison for 18 months, plus a further six months if he does not promptly discontinue legal claims.
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A packed Court 72 of the Royal Courts of Justice heard that Wright had committed 'multiple, clear breaches' of the court order by threatening and pursuing claims worth £900 billion against more than 100 companies around the world and an 'open ended group of individuals'. However 'having sought to weaponise the English justice system against those he perceives to be his enemies, he is now trying to hide from the consequences,' Jonathan Hough KC, for COPA, told a robed and wigged judge.
The court heard that Wright, who is not represented, emailed COPA's legal team at 9:39 this morning stating that he lacked the means of travel to the hearing. 'At 9:54 we responded offering to cover the cost of his travel tomorrow and that flights were available from Indonesia and Singapore,' Hough said.
Ten minutes later Wright responded stating that travelling to London would also cause him loss of business. 'We asked what that loss would be and said we would cover reasonable business losses,' Hough told the court. At 10:40 am Wright emailed to say he would require £240,000, based on a six months of a lost contract worth £40,000 a month, but even if that were available he would not be able to travel. That reply was 'inconsistent with emails sent earlier today,' Hough told the judge.
Mellor told the court that he would deliver judgment on the application, based on five grounds of alleged contempt, tomorrow. He urged COPA's legal team to renew the invitation for Wright to attend. 'In addition, we should invite him to attend the sentencing part,' the judge said.
