Father Ted creator denies harassing trans woman

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has pleaded not blameworthy to harassment and transgression harm against a transgender woman.

The Irish drama writer, who besides created The IT Crowd and Black Books, appeared astatine Westminster Magistrates' Court successful London connected Monday.

The 56-year-old denied 2 charges including 1 of harassing Sophia Brooks, 18, a transgender activist, connected societal media successful October.

He is besides accused of damaging her telephone during the "Battle of Ideas" league successful London successful the aforesaid month, astatine which helium was a speaker. The lawsuit volition spell to proceedings successful September.

Mr Linehan spoke to corroborate his name, day of commencement and his plea.

He said extracurricular tribunal afterwards that helium had for six years defended "the rights of women and children" and had faced maltreatment and threats.

Mr Linehan indispensable instrumentality to the tribunal for proceedings connected 4 September.

He is accused of harassment by posting abusive comments connected societal media betwixt 11 and 27 of October, and of harm to a telephone to the worth of £369.

He was granted bail connected information helium did not to interaction the complainant straight oregon indirectly.