Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has successfully appealed his conviction for damaging the mobile phone of a transgender activist at Southwark Crown Court. Linehan, known for his anti-trans views, was acquitted after a confrontation with Sophia Brooks during the Battle Of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19, 2024.

During the hearing, the judge, accompanied by two magistrates, stated that the evidence did not conclusively prove Linehan caused the damage to Brooks’ phone. Therefore, Linehan was found not guilty of the offense. Video footage shown in court captured the moments leading up to the incident.

In the footage, Brooks, then 17, questioned Linehan outside the venue, prompting a heated exchange where Linehan insulted her. Another video presented in court appeared to show Linehan physically interacting with Brooks’ phone.

Linehan’s lawyer argued that Brooks was intent on securing Linehan’s conviction as part of a targeted effort against him due to his anti-transgender activism. In a previous ruling, Linehan was also cleared of harassment charges related to social media posts directed at Brooks.

While the judge acknowledged Linehan’s posts were offensive, they did not amount to oppressive behavior. The writer had faced accusations of harassment for his online comments towards Brooks.