thedeparted
01-16-2012, 09:48 AM
'Piracy' student Richard O'Dwyer loses extradition case over TVShack website
The 23-year-old Sheffield Hallam University student faces up to 10 years in a US federal prison for operating TVShack which US authorities say hosts links to pirated and copyrighted video content.
6:34PM GMT 13 Jan 2012Comments
The website did not itself host unlawful downloads or video streams, but acted as a directory of links to others that did, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.
American authorities allege that Mr O’Dwyer made more than $230,000 by selling advertising on TVShack in three years until December 2010.
District Judge Quentin Purdy rejected all three of the defence’s arguments against extradition, including claims Mr O’Dwyer would not get a fair trial in the United States and that if a crime was committed he should be prosecuted in Britain.
O'Dwyer's mother Julia said she was: "Very disappointed, in fact disgusted," with the verdict.
She also expressed disappointment towards the government: "for signing us up to this treaty which has opened the flood gates to America to come and seize British citizens without even having set foot outside of this country."
"That extradition law needs fixing fast," she added.
Mrs O’Dwyer added that her son intends to immediately lodge an appeal at the High Court. The extradition must first be approved by the Home Secretary, however.
Speaking outside court, Richard O'Dwyer said he had: "faith in the High Court in making the right decision," and didn't regret starting the website because it had "helped him no end" with his studies.
Richard O'Dwyer's case will pile more pressure on the government to change the rules to make it more difficult to extradite Britons to America. Last month MPs voted for “urgent reform”.
That's pretty crazy and rather messed up that he's going to be extradited to the USA and face up to 10 years. I'm going to laugh one day if they stop piracy and their sales don't go up by a bazillion pct like they forecast. Pro-tip Studios if you make movies people want to see, be consumer friendly.. we'll spend the money. If you treat us like plebs and try and gouge us left and right we'll either pirate or simply use our money on other entertainment. We are the power, not you.
The 23-year-old Sheffield Hallam University student faces up to 10 years in a US federal prison for operating TVShack which US authorities say hosts links to pirated and copyrighted video content.
6:34PM GMT 13 Jan 2012Comments
The website did not itself host unlawful downloads or video streams, but acted as a directory of links to others that did, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.
American authorities allege that Mr O’Dwyer made more than $230,000 by selling advertising on TVShack in three years until December 2010.
District Judge Quentin Purdy rejected all three of the defence’s arguments against extradition, including claims Mr O’Dwyer would not get a fair trial in the United States and that if a crime was committed he should be prosecuted in Britain.
O'Dwyer's mother Julia said she was: "Very disappointed, in fact disgusted," with the verdict.
She also expressed disappointment towards the government: "for signing us up to this treaty which has opened the flood gates to America to come and seize British citizens without even having set foot outside of this country."
"That extradition law needs fixing fast," she added.
Mrs O’Dwyer added that her son intends to immediately lodge an appeal at the High Court. The extradition must first be approved by the Home Secretary, however.
Speaking outside court, Richard O'Dwyer said he had: "faith in the High Court in making the right decision," and didn't regret starting the website because it had "helped him no end" with his studies.
Richard O'Dwyer's case will pile more pressure on the government to change the rules to make it more difficult to extradite Britons to America. Last month MPs voted for “urgent reform”.
That's pretty crazy and rather messed up that he's going to be extradited to the USA and face up to 10 years. I'm going to laugh one day if they stop piracy and their sales don't go up by a bazillion pct like they forecast. Pro-tip Studios if you make movies people want to see, be consumer friendly.. we'll spend the money. If you treat us like plebs and try and gouge us left and right we'll either pirate or simply use our money on other entertainment. We are the power, not you.