Graham Linehan Guilty of Damaging Trans Activist’s Phone, Cleared of Harassment

Graham Linehan, best known for creating “Father Ted,” has been found guilty of criminal damage to a trans activist’s phone but cleared of harassment charges. The ruling came after a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court regarding a confrontation that took place during a conference in London in October 2024.

Trial Summary

District Judge Briony Clarke presided over the case and characterized Linehan as a “generally credible witness.” The judge noted that Linehan appeared “genuinely frank and honest,” and she did not find sufficient evidence to support the harassment claims made by trans activist Sophia Brooks.

Details of the Confrontation

The altercation occurred outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19, where Brooks had been photographing delegates during a speech by Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters. The trial revealed that Brooks had recorded the confrontation, prompting Linehan to express anger and ultimately throw Brooks’s phone.

Judge’s Findings

While the court found Brooks’s claims of alarm and distress exaggerated, they did determine that Linehan acted out of anger when he damaged the phone. The judge stated, “I am therefore satisfied he was not using reasonable force and therefore find him guilty of criminal damage.”

Charges and Reactions

• Clearance of Harassment: Linehan was not found guilty of harassing Brooks on social media between October 11 and October 27, 2023.
• Guilty of Criminal Damage: Linehan was found guilty of throwing Brooks’s phone during the October 19 incident.

Linehan traveled from Arizona to the UK to attend the trial. He had remained steadfast in denying all allegations of harassment, describing his experiences as being “made hell” by trans activists. During the trial, Brooks and Linehan exchanged heated statements, with Brooks alleging that Linehan referred to them in derogatory terms, to which Linehan retorted with a personal attack.

Conclusion

This case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding issues of gender and free speech, particularly in the context of social media. While Linehan faces a conviction for damaging property, the broader implications of both his and Brooks’s actions continue to spark debate within society.