Graham Linehan accuses police of taking sides after conviction overturned

Graham Linehan speaking outside Southwark Crown Court, London. Credit: PA

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has accused police of siding with trans rights activists after his conviction for damaging a transgender campaigner’s mobile phone was overturned.

Linehan was caught up in a confrontation with Sophia Brooks outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19 2024.

The 57-year-old smiled and turned to supporters sitting in the public gallery when it was ruled on Friday that his conviction for criminal damage should be overturned.

Speaking outside Southwark Crown Court after the hearing, the Irish TV writer said the decision was “very welcome but this case should never have got to court”.

He said: “There has been a troubling pattern of police forces around the country to ‘believe’ trans rights activists, time and time again, even when there has been overwhelming evidence that complaints have been made against gender critical campaigners, in bad faith.

“The police have failed in their duty to properly and fairly investigate - preferring instead to support one side over the other in a debate.

Graham Linehan criticised the police. Credit: PA

“All this has done is erode the faith the public should be able to have in the police.

“We are sick of two-tier policing and I hope with today’s verdict it will end.”

Linehan added: “I have suffered greatly in my fight to protect women and children from what I believe to be a dangerous ideology.

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“But I am proud that I have never given in and I will not do.

“I have been lifted through support from friends and strangers, from women’s rights groups to London cabbies who have taken the time to stop and shake my hand.”

He thanked his legal team and the Free Speech Union.

In November 2025, the Bafta-winning writer was cleared of harassment for branding Brooks a “domestic terrorist”, a “groomer”, and an “incel”.

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