Settlement for Linehan over arrest for social media posts

Graham Linehan has been awarded a settlement from the UK's Metropolitan Police over a civil claim against the force after he was arrested for social media posts about transgender issues.

The 58-year-old comedy writer was arrested by police at Heathrow Airport after flying in from Arizona in September on suspicion of inciting violence over three posts he made on X.

He announced in October that the investigation into his posts had been dropped but said he intended to "hold the police accountable".

It is understood that a settlement has been reached in a civil claim, and four officers have received learning through reflection, a non-disciplinary process to resolve low-level performance issues.

Mr Linehan received £25,000 in the settlement, according to reports.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Met said: "We recognise the considerable distress caused to Mr Linehan, and have offered our sincere apologies.

"This case prompted a significant change, which means the Met no longer investigates 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."

The force apologised to Mr Linehan in May.