Impress says the case relates to five articles published by Dorset Eye on local campaign group No To The Barge (of which Bailey was a founding member) set up in response to the decision to house asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm Barge in local waters.
Alex Bailey said that the articles were likely to cause him serious reputational harm and that select parts were also untrue. Dorset Eye, however, used the defence that what they reported was in the public interest and said all publications were based on evidence, added Impress.
On each of the five articles, the tribunal found in favour of Dorset Eye, the organisation continued.
Clive Thorne, the independent arbitrator who adjudicated on the case, found Dorset Eye to have a public interest defence in relation to four articles, and a defence of honest opinion in relation to one article.
You can read the full findings from the arbitration here.
All arbitration proceedings are carried out independently from Impress. Arbitrators are independently appointed by the Chartered Institute for Arbitrators (Ciarb), the leading non-profit body in the field of arbitration.
What is Impress Arbitration?
Impress arbitration is part of its alternative dispute resolution offering and the organisation says it provides an alternative path to a legally binding decision that avoids lengthy and expensive court procedures. It has long been difficult for members of the public to access avenues to justice without breaking the bank, but with this they can, added Impress.
If you are a regulated member of Impress, such as Dorset Eye, you will receive arbitration services as part of your membership, Impress continued.
Impress says it also offers mediation services which involves the appointment of an independent third-party who facilitates dialogue between parties, that allows them to reach a private settlement via mutual agreement.
Both arbitration and mediation services are now available to the public who have a media-related dispute. There are also discounts available for charities, non-profits and NGOs who require the services.
You can find out more about Impress alternative dispute resolution here.
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