Disgraced Transgender Police Officer Linked to Graham Linehan's Arrest

A disgraced transgender police officer, formerly known as Alex Horwood and now identified as Lynsay Watson, has been linked to the recent arrest of Father Ted writer Graham Linehan. Watson, who was sacked by Leicestershire Police for gross misconduct in 2023, has a documented history of targeting individuals critical of gender ideology, raising serious questions about the "weaponization" of law enforcement.

The Allegations Against Watson

An anonymous social media account, widely believed to be operated by Watson, openly boasted in April of reporting Linehan to the police for his posts on transgender issues and encouraged other activists to do the same. This campaign culminated in Linehan's highly publicized arrest by five armed officers at Heathrow airport on September 1, an event that has ignited a firestorm of debate over free speech in the UK.

Watson's past actions provide a clear pattern. In 2023, she was found guilty of sending over 1,200 harassing messages to free speech campaigner Harry Miller, a vocal critic of gender ideology. The messages, sent over an 18-month period, branded Miller a "Nazi," "bigot," and "wife-beater."

Linehan's case is not an isolated incident. Women's rights campaigner Helen Joyce, author of the best-selling book Trans, was also reported by Watson. Court documents confirm that Watson was behind the police report that led to a "non-crime hate incident" and a subsequent investigation for "harassment" being recorded against Joyce's name. Although police took no further action, the record remains on her file and could appear on an advanced DBS check. Watson also initiated a judicial review to challenge the police's decision not to pursue criminal charges against Joyce, a motion that was ultimately dismissed.

Similarly, Watson reported Scottish gender-critical campaigner Stuart Campbell to Greater Manchester Police over social media posts, including one on the murder of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey. After police decided not to take further action, Watson challenged the decision with a judicial review, which the High Court dismissed.

Watson's History with Law Enforcement

Watson's contentious relationship with the police dates back decades. As a former British Transport Police officer, she was sacked and later lost a discrimination case against the force's union in 1998. Watson claimed the union failed to support her legal fight against the force, which she alleged tried to prevent her from undergoing hormone treatment and demanded she resume her duties in a male uniform. In a 2000 interview, Watson expressed her desire to be a police officer again, stating, "I will fight for my rights. The world is changing and people must learn to accept gender minorities."

Police Caught in the Middle

The recurring pattern of reports and subsequent judicial reviews reveals a growing concern among free speech and women's rights advocates who fear that police forces are being "weaponized" by transgender activists. These campaigners argue that police have become "hook, line, and sinker" proponents of trans ideology, allowing extremist activists to use them as a "private militia to harass and silence" those with differing views.

These events highlight the difficult position UK police forces find themselves in, caught "between a rock and a hard place" as they navigate the complexities of gender ideology, hate crime legislation, and the right to free speech.