After Hack Attacks and Death Threats, Lawyer Tells Court, He's Dropping File-Share Suits
Citing “immense hassle to me and my family,” a lawyer pursuing controversial file-sharing claims has told a British court that he is dropping the litigation due to hack attacks, bomb threats and death threats.
Solicitor Andrew Crossley of ACS:Law now says he has dropped all such work, in a statement read in patent court in London by a barrister for his client, MediaCAT, reports BBC News.
“I have been subject to criminal attack. My e-mails have been hacked. I have had death threats and bomb threats,” it said in part.
However, the judge hearing the 26 cases that resulted from a blitz of letters demanding payments of 500 pounds each from individuals accused by MediaCAT and Crossley of illegal downloads of copyrighted material said this might not be the end of the matter.
Because the actual copyright holders are only represented by MediaCAT, under reported agreements that it can pursue copyright claims on their behalf, it is unclear that the cases can now be dropped without a direct request by the copyright holders.
Meanwhile, defense counsel has suggested that individuals might have claims for harassment, especially if the letters were sent without any intention of actually filing suit.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Hackers Post Law Firm E-Mail, Exposing Defendant Data, Lawyer’s ‘Lambo’ Tastes”
