Anti-Piracy firm stops all action mid-case

[DJ-Daz]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12253746

A lawyer for British law firm ACS Law has withdrawn from pursuing illegal file-sharers... in the middle of a court case! The firm known for mailing threatening letters to suspected file sharers had previously been accused of pressuring internet service providers and threatening innocent people with court action if they refuse to meet demands for payment. Solicitor Andrew Crossley explained his reasoning to the court which readers can find below!


I have ceased my work...I have been subject to criminal attack. My e-mails have been hacked. I have had death threats and bomb threats, It has caused immense hassle to me and my family.
Members of the public receiving letters were given the choice of paying a fine of around £500 or going to court, As the agreement stood copyright owners would receive a 30%, ACS Law would take 65% and partner MediaCAT would presumably settle for a 5% share.

Critics of the firm made accusations that ACS Law were running a money making scheme and had no intent on bringing cases to court, this opinion is somewhat echoed by Judge Birss who questioned MediaCAT's motives:

I want to tell you that I am not happy. I am getting the impression with every twist and turn since I started looking at these cases that there is a desire to avoid any judicial scrutiny
With copyright holders absent from court and support from the industry lacking could this be the last time we hear from ACS: Law?