Former boss of Halifax Skircoat Lodge care home abused children for decades

Malcolm Phillips, a former manager of a children’s home, and his assistant, Linda Brunning, were responsible for decades of sexual abuse against children in their care. Phillips, aged 93, committed abuse against four girls and two boys at Skircoat Lodge in Halifax from 1976 until 1994, according to a jury verdict. Due to his health, Phillips was ruled unfit to stand trial, and instead, a facts hearing took place at Bradford Crown Court on charges including rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child.

Linda Brunning, 66, was convicted of indecently assaulting one boy and aiding Phillips in abusing another during the 1980s and 1990s. Overcome with emotion upon hearing she faced a substantial prison sentence, Brunning is set to be sentenced in April. Phillips had overseen Skircoat Lodge since its opening and was known for asserting absolute authority, living onsite and having unrestricted access to all areas, including children’s bedrooms. The jury heard that Phillips exploited this power by isolating certain children for his own sexual gratification.

The court was told these children were deliberately chosen as targets; they were deprived of food and pocket money and threatened with the loss of family visits to maintain control. Those who ran away after abuse were returned by police and labeled troublemakers. Brunning was characterized as a domineering figure who physically punished and humiliated children. The youngest victim sexually abused was between nine and 13 years old, with Brunning restraining the child during assaults. Prosecutors also highlighted how Brunning exploited a boy’s longing for his mother by telling him she did not love him.

Survivors have come forward to share their stories. Kelly Lees, who waived her lifelong anonymity, described being abused by Phillips in the 1990s after being sent to his office to do homework. Another former resident, Chris Wild, who was placed at Skircoat Lodge at age 11 after his father’s death, reported the home as a “house of horrors,” though he was not a sexual abuse victim himself. He has campaigned for further inquiry, noting the lasting mental health impact and the lack of a public apology. Phillips had previously been convicted in 2001 for assaults on eight girls at the home during the 1970s and 1980s, receiving a seven-year sentence.

The NSPCC investigated the children’s home in 1994 and documented the use of excessive force and mistreatment, including depriving children of food and sleep. After the recent verdicts, an NSPCC spokesperson condemned Phillips and Brunning for orchestrating an “appalling campaign of abuse” targeting vulnerable children who had suffered previous trauma. They noted that while Phillips actively led the abuse, Brunning’s role helped silence victims and hide their crimes for nearly twenty years. West Yorkshire Police’s senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith, praised the bravery of survivors for coming forward and acknowledged past failures to protect victims. Calderdale Council issued an apology for the horrific abuse, expressing deep sorrow for the lasting harm and highlighting that safeguarding policies had since been significantly overhauled

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