LONDON – Writer and Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been found guilty of criminal damage to a transgender activist’s phone but acquitted of the more serious charge of harassment following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The charges related to an incident last year involving transgender activist Sophia Brooks, where Mr. Linehan was alleged to have harassed her online and damaged her mobile phone.
The Judge’s Findings
District Judge Briony Clarke delivered the verdict, finding Mr. Linehan:
- Guilty of criminal damage.
- Not Guilty of harassment.
Mr. Linehan, who had pleaded not guilty to both charges, admitted to taking and throwing Ms. Brooks’ phone at the ‘Battle of Ideas’ conference in London on 19 October. He claimed his actions were aimed at preventing a crime and due to ongoing harassment.
Judge Clarke, however, dismissed this defence, stating she was satisfied Mr. Linehan was merely “reckless” and was not acting to “prevent a crime.”
Credibility of Witnesses
In dismissing the harassment charge, the Judge made key observations regarding witness credibility:
- The Judge found Mr. Linehan to be a “credible witness” and concluded his behaviour was not “oppressive.”
- The Judge noted that she found Ms. Brooks was, at times, “not giving entirely truthful evidence,” though she did not reject her testimony entirely.
Judge Clarke reiterated that the court’s role was not to “pick a side” in the broader gender identity debate.
Penalty and Planned Appeal
The court issued Mr. Linehan with a £500 penalty for the criminal damage conviction. No compensation was ordered as the damaged phone had not been repaired.
Following the ruling, Mr. Linehan’s barrister, Sarah Vine, immediately announced the defence’s intention to appeal the conviction for criminal damage.
