Buller mayor wins defamation case over heated public meeting

West Coast regional councillor Frank Dooley has lost his defamation case against Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine.

The dispute stemmed from Cleine’s claims that Dooley physically threatened former deputy mayor Sharon Roche during a public meeting in February 2022.

While Dooley admitted to angrily swearing at Roche, he denied raising his fist.

Judge Kevin Kelly ruled that Dooley’s actions were aggressive and inappropriate, finding it likely he did raise a fist or pointed aggressively at Roche in close proximity. However, the judge concluded that Cleine’s media statements and a letter to council officials were truthful, not defamatory, and not motivated by malice.

The judge emphasised that Dooley’s self-identified behavior during the meeting was the root cause of the incident.

Cleine’s letter was deemed protected by qualified privilege, and the court found no evidence that Cleine named Dooley in media accounts; Dooley himself revealed his identity through a letter to the press.

Cleine expressed relief at the verdict, while Dooley stated he was disappointed but undecided on an appeal.

The court has yet to decide on the issue of legal costs, though Cleine’s legal expenses were partially covered by council insurance, with additional costs borne by ratepayers.