Graham Linehan goes on trial over alleged harassment of trans woman

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has gone on trial in London on charges of harassment and criminal damage against a transgender woman.

The Irish comedy writer, who also created The IT Crowd and Black Books, has pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

Before going into Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the 57-year-old did not speak to the media but did pose with a supporter’s sign saying “There’s no such thing as a ‘transgender child”‘ on one side and “Keep men out of women’s sports” on the other.

This trial is not connected to the allegations that led to his much-publicised arrest at Heathrow Airport on Monday.

He said he was met by five armed officers over messages he had previously posted about trans people on X, sparking a backlash from some public figures and politicians, and inflaming a fierce debate about policing and free speech.

In that case, he was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence, and has been bailed “pending further investigation”.

Meanwhile, the trial that opened on Thursday is hearing allegations that he harassed Sophia Brooks, 18, a transgender activist, on social media last October, and damaged her phone.

He is accused of posting abusive comments on social media, and of causing damage to a phone to the value of £369 during the Battle of Ideas conference in London.

He appeared in the dock and spoke to confirm his identity.

Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting, said: “The defendant, Graham Linehan, faces two charges, one harassment of Sophia Brooks between 11 October 2024 and 27 October 2024,” PA Media reported.

“The second charge is criminal damage of Ms Brooks’ mobile phone on 19 October 2024.

“There are some matters that are not in dispute. It’s not in dispute that the defendant sent the relevant social media posts between 11 October and 27 October, and it’s not in dispute that the defendant seized and threw the phone of the complainant.

“Ms Brooks is now 18 but at the time of these events she was 17.”