Graham Linehan Pleads Not Guilty to Harassment and Criminal Damage Amid Court Testimony
Writer and comedian Graham Linehan has pleaded not guilty to charges of harassment and criminal damage as his trial continues at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. During his testimony on Friday, the second day of proceedings, Mr. Linehan asserted that his life has been significantly impacted by transgender activists, including the complainant in the case.
The prosecution alleges that Mr. Linehan, known for co-creating the sitcom Father Ted, “relentlessly” posted abusive comments about the complainant, 18-year-old Sophia Brooks, on social media in October of last year. He is also accused of damaging Ms. Brooks’s phone during a physical confrontation.
Testimony heard on Thursday indicated that Mr. Linehan posted messages on social media referring to the complainant by the name “Tarquin” and describing her as a “deeply disturbed sociopath” and a “domestic terrorist.” Prosecutors contend that Mr. Linehan’s social media harassment of Ms. Brooks included accusations of her involvement in a “homophobic attack” at an LGB Alliance conference on 11 October 2024, an event where thousands of live crickets were reportedly released. Mr. Linehan stated in court, regarding the broader impact of such activism, “Trans activists have spent the last 10 years demonising anyone who stands up to them,” adding, “And I chose to leave the UK.”
The charge of criminal damage stems from an incident on 19 October last year, outside the Battle of Ideas conference in London. Prosecutors allege Mr. Linehan “deliberately whacked” Ms. Brooks’s phone out of her hand after she attempted to film him while confronting him. A video played to the court appeared to show Mr. Linehan grabbing the complainant’s phone.
In his own evidence, Mr. Linehan described the complainant’s behavior at the event as “incredibly annoying and persistent.” He explained his reaction, stating, “My adrenaline was up… I felt angry.” He further testified, “I took his phone, put it behind my back…”
Source: www.bbc.com