Home / Crime and Justice / Care Home Duo Ran 'Prison' For 20 Years, Court Told
Care Home Duo Ran 'Prison' For 20 Years, Court Told
22 Jan
Summary
- Manager and assistant accused of a 20-year 'regime of fear' at care home.
- Allegations include children being humiliated and forced to eat from floor.
- One defendant is unfit to stand trial; the other faces multiple charges.
At Bradford Crown Court, jurors are hearing disturbing allegations against Malcom Phillips, 92, and his assistant Linda Brunning, 66, regarding their conduct at Skircoat Lodge Care Home in Halifax, West Yorkshire. For nearly 20 years, the pair allegedly subjected children to a "regime of fear," operating the home like a prison.
Former staff described Phillips as a "strict and dominant person who ruled by fear," detailing instances where he slapped children and manhandled them. Brunning was described as a "bully" who used her size to humiliate children, including forcing one boy to eat his dinner off the floor. She is also accused of making children stand on landings for extended periods.
Phillips faces charges including indecent assault, indecency with a child, buggery, and rape against six victims between 1976 and 1994. He has been deemed unfit to stand trial, with a trial of facts underway. Brunning is accused of aiding and abetting these abuses and indecently assaulting one boy herself. Both defendants are from West Yorkshire.
