Dorset police have failed in an attempt to block a UK website from using its title.

The internet site has been set up by an Englishman who claims the force did not handle inquiries correctly following the theft of his vehicle.

The ruling, from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), says the force failed to prove that the name Dorset Police amounted to a trademark.

It also says the force has been unable to make a case for the website name being used in "bad faith".

Freedom of speech

Lawyers involved in the judgement by the American-based internet governing group say the ruling is a victory for freedom of speech.

The case centres on the use of "Dorset" and "Police" in the name of a UK website which is critical of the force and the way an investigation into a stolen vehicle was handled.

American lawyers acting in the case say the judgement means individuals can for the first time use a domain name containing the title of a government agency in order to criticise its activities.

In legal submissions to the panel, Dorset police claimed the criticisms were offensive "to a point beyond libellous".

But Washington DC-based internet specialist Stephen H . Sturgeon said the force had failed to prove its case.

He said: "The internet can provide an unsurpassed opportunity for the free exchange of ideas and for unfettered debate about important issues.

"Legal decisions affecting the internet must promote and not stifle freedom of speech."

The judgement reveals that an offer to sell the website domain name for �100,000 was made to Dorset police.

But a claim that the money would have been used to cover legal costs meant the offer did not constitute "bad faith".

A spokesman for Dorset Police said their legal experts would be examining the judgement.