Linehan Acquitted in Phone Damage Case

0:00On May 1st, Graham Linnahan, the co-creator of Father Ted, just had his conviction for criminal damage overturned at Southward Crown Court. The 57-year-old anti-trans activist was accused of damaging a transgender activist phone during a dispute outside the Battle of Ideas. Conference in Westminster on October 19, 2024. The two-day hearing wrapped up with Mrs. Justice Amanda Tipples, ruling that the court couldn't be sure Linnahan caused the damage. Judge from the activist phone showed the tense moments leading up to the incident, but it wasn't enough to hold the conviction. Linnahan smiled and turned to his supporters in the gallery when the not guilty verdict came down. His lawyer argued the complainant was pushing a personal campaign against him for his high-profile views, trying to misuse the courts. This isn't the first time Linnahan's cleared the hurdle. Last November, a district judge tossed out harassment charges over his social media posts, calling the then 17-year-old activist harsh names, saying they were unpleasant but not oppressive.

1:03With both cases behind him now, Linnahan walks away free on these fronts, spotlighting the ongoing clashes between activists and the legal system.