Police to re-open probe into handling of Linehan arrest
Police in the UK have been ordered to reinvestigate a complaint over the arrest of Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan after a watchdog found failings in its handling of the case.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in the UK has ordered police forces to re-examine their handling of the arrest of Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan, following a finding of failings in their investigation. Linehan, 58, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in September 2025 on suspicion of inciting violence following three posts he made on X. He later received an apology and settlement from the police following a civil claim.
The IOPC received a complaint from Linehan in May 2026, alleging discrimination due to his gender-critical beliefs. The watchdog's ruling stated that the police's handling of his complaint was inadequate and directed the Metropolitan Police to reinvestigate the allegation of discrimination. The IOPC also found the police's investigation to be unreasonable and disproportionate, failing to provide explanations for the grounds of arrest and not pursuing inquiries about bail conditions.
Linehan retains the right to request a further review from the IOPC if he remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the force's reinvestigation.
Written by urgent.news from RTE News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
