Oracle boss no pirate, a jury rules

Larry Ellison may not have a problem poking his nose into other people's garbage, but never let it be said that the man does not pay his bills.

Despite conflicting testimonies, a California jury took just two hours to dismiss a case against Ellison for non-payment of sales commission. Yacht-broker Michael Rafferty was suing the Oracle boss for $490,000 in damages against unpaid commission to the tune of $700,000.

The jury also threw overboard claims by Rafferty against the selling broker, who was paid $500,000 for his part in the deal.

Rafferty said that he thought he had a case, and was disappointed by the decision. He told reporters: "I figured they would know who was telling the truth. I honestly believed I had a case or I would not have wasted four years of my life."

While on the stand, Ellison claimed that his search for the boat was in part done to impress a woman. He said that his first time on board was just like being in a James Bond movie. He has since sold the Sakura, and bought two larger vessels. The Reg wonders who these ones are intended to impress.®

Related Stories: Larry Ellison buys his way into America's Cup team