The Metropolitan Police has announced it will stop investigating “non-crime hate incidents” following the decision to take no further action against Father Ted creator Graham Linehan.
The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer was arrested at Heathrow in September on suspicion of inciting violence over three social media posts concerning transgender issues.
His arrest sparked controversy, with criticism from politicians and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
The head of the Met Police had previously stated officers were in an “impossible position” when dealing with statements made online.
A spokesperson for the police force said: “We understand the concern around this case.
“The commissioner has been clear he doesn’t believe officers should be policing toxic culture war debates, with current laws and rules on inciting violence online leaving them in an impossible position.
“As a result, the Met will no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents. We believe this will provide clearer direction for officers, reduce ambiguity and enable them to focus on matters that meet the threshold for criminal investigations.”
Non-crime hate incidents are incidents that do not count as crimes but are perceived to be motivated by hatred towards certain characteristics such as race or gender.
The Met spokesperson continued: “These incidents will still be recorded and used as valuable pieces of intelligence to establish potential patterns of behaviour or criminality.
“We will continue to investigate and arrest those who commit hate crimes – allowing us to comply with statutory guidance while focusing our resources on criminality and public protection.”
Linehan said in a post on social media on Monday: “The police have informed my lawyers that I face no further action in respect of the arrest at Heathrow in September.
“After a successful hearing to get my bail conditions lifted (one which the police officer in charge of the case didn’t even bother to attend) the Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the case.”
He said he will be working to hold the police “accountable” over the incident, alongside the Free Speech Union, which plans to sue the Metropolitan Police for wrongful arrest.
“Throughout this probe, the police have behaved like activists, not impartial upholders of the law,” said the Free Speech Union in a post on X.
“Rather than inviting Graham for an interview in September, the Met sent five armed police officers to arrest him at Heathrow airport,” they added.
“So, we’re not stopping here. Police forces cannot continue to suppress lawful free speech without facing consequences.”
Arrested ‘like a terrorist’
Linehan earlier shared further details of the arrest on his blog. He claimed to have “been flagged” and “arrested at an airport like a terrorist”.
“The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not two – five,” he wrote.
“They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under arrest for three tweets.”
He reshared the posts, which were originally posted in April, one of which called on people to “call the cops” on trans-identifying people and “if all else fails, punch him in the balls”.
Another post showed a crowd of people at a protest, many holding transgender and LGBT+ Pride flags, which he wrote over the top: “A photo you can smell.”
The third post he claimed had led to his arrest was in response to someone who commented under this photo, where he said: “I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em.”
He claimed his belt, bag and devices were confiscated as he was shown to a small green-tiled cell with a bunk and silver toilet, and he was questioned about his posts, which he said “was a serious point made with a joke”.
Separately, Linehan has faced court action for allegedly harassing trans activist Sophia Brooks.
He has denied harassing her on social media between 11 and 27 October 2024 and also denied a charge of criminal damage to her mobile phone, to the value of £369, on 19 October 2024.
A trial got underway in September but has been adjourned.
