Graham Linehan, the 57-year-old co-creator of Father Ted, is set to face trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday. The comedy writer stands accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks through social media posts and damaging her mobile phone.
Linehan has denied the charges, which relate to alleged harassment between October 11 and October 27. Court documents state he is accused of posting abusive comments about Brooks on social media and damaging her phone worth £369 during the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19.
The Bafta-winning writer, who also created The IT Crowd and Black Books with fellow Irish writer Arthur Mathews, said the allegations stem from an incident at the October conference. In May, following an earlier hearing, Linehan said he has "lost a great deal" but "will not waver in my resolve".
Recent arrest sparks debate
Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence through three posts he made on X about trans issues. The arrest has ignited fierce debate about free speech and police priorities.
Opposition politicians and Harry Potter author JK Rowling have criticised the arrest. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his officers are in "an impossible position" when dealing with online statements and should not be "policing toxic culture wars debates".
Political intervention
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the arrest in the Daily Mail on Thursday, arguing it shows "values of free speech are being slowly eroded by people weaponising the law and using it for petty squabbling".
"Five police officers should not be sent to silence a comedian for saying what most people believe, no matter who is complaining," she said. "The whole episode raises serious questions. What does it say about our country that someone can be flagged as they fly home from the US, not for terrorism, trafficking or fraud, but for expressing opinions online?"
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
