Skircoat Lodge Abuse Case – Key Facts

Malcolm Phillips, age 93, former manager of Skircoat Lodge children’s home in Halifax.
Linda Brunning, age 66, former assistant at the same home.

Phillips and Brunning sexually abused children in their care for decades (1976–1994).
Phillips abused four girls and two boys; Brunning assaulted one boy and assisted Phillips in abusing another.
Phillips was found unfit to stand trial due to age and health; instead, a trial of facts took place at Bradford Crown Court.
Charges included rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child.
Brunning was found guilty of indecent assault and aiding Phillips.
She reacted emotionally in court and faces a “substantial” jail sentence, scheduled for April.

Phillips had unrestricted access to all areas of Skircoat Lodge, including bedrooms.
He used his power to isolate and target specific children for sexual abuse.
Victims were deprived of food, pocket money, and family visits as punishment or control.
Children who ran away were returned by police and labeled as troublemakers.
Victims were typically between 9 and 13 years old.
Brunning also physically and emotionally abused children and restrained victims during assaults.
Some victims were told their parents did not love them to deepen control.

Kelly Lees (waived anonymity): abused in the 1990s after being told to do homework in Phillips’ office.
- She described how well-behaved children were more targeted.
- Began skipping school to avoid abuse.
Chris Wild: sent to Skircoat Lodge at age 11 in 1991.
- Not sexually abused but described the home as a “house of horrors.”
- Said many former residents later took their own lives or now suffer from mental health problems.

Phillips was previously convicted in 2001 of indecently assaulting eight girls at the same home in the 1970s–80s; sentenced to seven years in prison.
The NSPCC investigated in 1994, finding excessive force used and children deprived of food and sleep.

NSPCC: Described Phillips and Brunning’s actions as an “appalling campaign of abuse” lasting nearly 20 years.
- Said Brunning’s cooperation helped silence victims and avoid police suspicion.
West Yorkshire Police (Det Ch Insp Claire Smith):
- Praised victims for their bravery in coming forward.
- Admitted missed opportunities to protect children in the past but highlighted improved partnership efforts.
Calderdale Council:
- Issued a formal apology for the “horrific” abuse.
- Stated that modern safeguarding practices have changed “beyond recognition.”

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