Sarah Harte: Graham Linehan's part in toxic debate puts freedom of speech limits into focus

'I have ideologically flip-flopped more times on how extensive freedom of speech should be than I have changed the treat I chomp at the end of a working day'

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, for his trial over an alleged harassment of a transgender woman. The 57-year-old denies harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

Watching the Graham Linehan trial in England is both sad and concerning. It raises fundamental questions, such as: Do I have the right to say things that are offensive to others? Where does that right begin and where does it end?

Linehan created or co-created so many great shows, including the iconic Father Ted and The IT Crowd.