Graham Linehan cleared of harassing trans activist but convicted of damaging phone

Irish comedy writer cleared at Westminster magistrates court of harassing Sophia Brooks on social media

The Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been cleared of harassing a transgender activist on social media but found guilty of criminal damage of their mobile phone outside a conference in London last year.

The 57-year-old flew in from Arizona to appear at Westminster magistrates court in person on Tuesday, where judgment was delivered by district judge Briony Clarke.