SEATTLE — The driver of the infamous "Belltown Hellcat" will indeed have to pay the city of Seattle over $80,000.
A judge granted the city's motion for a default judgment against Miles Hudson after he failed to formally respond to the city's civil suit against him within a 20-day window. In total, the judge awarded the city $83,619.97 from Hudson.
City Attorney Ann Davison filed the motion for default judgment on May 31, after a civil complaint was filed against Hudson by the city on May 7. Hudson's vehicle has drawn the ire of many Seattleites over his modifications to generate more noise.
Hudson, who appeared in court with a facemask covering his entire head along with sunglasses, did send an email to the court on May 30, saying he was working on getting the vehicle in compliance. He told the court Tuesday that he had documentation to prove he was taking the car into the shop and had ordered the parts to restore the car to factory settings.
The court agreed with the city's assertion that Hudson did not properly respond to the complaint, and he quickly exited the court room following the ruling.
Hudson did bring his vehicle to be inspected by Seattle police on Friday, but SPD said Hudson did not cooperate and the inspection was incomplete as a result.
Outside of the civil complaint, Hudson also still has an outstanding criminal case for two counts of reckless driving in Seattle and had a temporary protection order filed against him by a woman who said he harassed and shared "revenge porn" of her with others. In Renton, Hudson also has an assault conviction related to a confrontation with his mother that has yet to be resolved.