TV writer Linehan cleared of harassing trans activist

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been cleared of harassing a transgender activist, but found guilty of criminal damage to her mobile phone.

- MARGARET DAVIS ELLIE CRABBE

Linehan, 57, flew in from Arizona and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in person yesterday to hear District Judge Briony Clarke deliver the judgment.

Linehan had denied harassing Sophia Brooks on social media between 11-27 October 2024 and a charge of criminal damage to her mobile phone on 19 October outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster.

Reading a summary of her judgment, the judge said she was not satisfied that Linehan’s conduct amounted to harassment or that the complainant was as distressed as she made herself out to be. She said that Linehan had not tagged Ms Brooks in his social media posts, bar one.