The followup is equally interesting. Google filed an appeal and won. [1]
[1] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-google-bothered-to-ap_b_2...
[1] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-google-bothered-to-ap_b_2...
It might also have been a good idea to wait out until it was no longer possible to appeal the decision, before going public with the outcome.
IANAL, but I think there was still a good chance that the guy could have won an appeal if he had appropriate counsel represent his case, using appropriate discovery and other instruments to properly mount a defence.