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Decades of Abuse: Children's Home Manager Convicted
23 Feb
Summary
- Manager abused children for nearly two decades at Skircoat Lodge.
- Assistant Brunning aided abuse and assaulted one boy.
- Phillips previously convicted in 2001 for similar offenses.
Malcolm Phillips, 93, formerly managed Skircoat Lodge, a children's home in Halifax, where he committed sexual abuse against multiple children between 1976 and 1994. A jury found him guilty of rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child, though he was deemed unfit to stand trial, leading to a trial of facts. Phillips held absolute authority at the home, with "unfettered access" to all areas.
His assistant, Linda Brunning, 66, was convicted of indecent assault against one boy and for assisting Phillips in abusing another. Brunning is awaiting sentencing, facing a "substantial" jail term. The prosecution highlighted how Brunning exploited a child's vulnerability, telling him his mother did not love him.
Victims reported being deprived of food and pocket money, and threatened with lost visits from family. Some children ran away, only to be returned by police. The NSPCC's 1994 investigation found excessive force and deprivation of food and sleep at Skircoat Lodge. Phillips was previously convicted in 2001 for indecently assaulting eight girls at the same home.
Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Claire Smith commended the victim-survivors for their bravery. She acknowledged past missed opportunities to protect children but stated improved practices were now in place. The force expressed gratitude to the survivors whose testimony led to the conviction.
