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NSPCC Found Cruel Abuse at Skircoat Lodge
8 Jun
Summary
- NSPCC investigation in 1994 found excessive force and deprivation.
- Phillips and Brunning ran an abuse campaign for almost two decades.
- Abuse victims were silenced and their claims disbelieved for years.
In 1994, the NSPCC charity investigated allegations of severe abuse at Skircoat Lodge. The inquiry revealed that children were subjected to excessive force and systematic deprivation of food and sleep.
Following recent jury verdicts, an NSPCC spokesperson condemned the "appalling campaign of abuse" led by Phillips and Brunning against children in their care. Many of these vulnerable young people had previously suffered trauma.
The pair collaborated for almost two decades, exploiting the children and shielding each other from suspicion. Phillips was identified as the primary abuser, while Brunning's role involved silencing victims and discrediting any attempts by children to seek help. This ensured their crimes remained undetected for an extended period.
