A former manager of Skircoat Lodge children’s home in Halifax and his assistant have been found responsible for decades of sexual and physical abuse against children in their care.

The findings, reached at Bradford Crown Court, mark another painful but important moment for survivors who have waited many years to see what happened to them formally acknowledged.

At Switalskis, solicitor in our child abuse team Kieran Chatterton is supporting a number of clients with civil claims arising from abuse at Skircoat Lodge. Kieran has also been supporting clients throughout the criminal proceedings.

A “trial of facts”

Malcolm Phillips, now 93, was accused of abusing four girls and two boys between 1976 and 1994 while in charge of the home. He was deemed unfit to stand trial. Instead, the court held what is known as a “trial of facts” - a process used to determine whether a defendant carried out the acts alleged, even if they are not able to participate in a criminal trial.

The jury concluded that Phillips used his position of authority to isolate and control vulnerable children. They found that he deprived children of food, money and contact with their families, and threatened them into silence. The picture that emerged was not of isolated incidents, but of sustained and deliberate abuse of power.

Phillips had previously been convicted in 2001 for abusing girls at the same home. Investigations during the 1990s had already identified concerns about excessive force and neglect.

Active facilitation and control

Linda Brunning, 66, who worked as Phillips’ assistant, was found guilty of indecently assaulting a boy and helping Phillips to abuse another child. She was described during proceedings as domineering and physically abusive. The jury agreed that she did not simply turn a blind eye, she actively facilitated the abuse. She is due to be sentenced in April.

These findings reflect how abuse within institutions is rarely the responsibility of one individual alone. It is often enabled by silence, fear, and systems that fail to challenge those in power.

“A place of fear”

Former residents described Skircoat Lodge as a place of fear and suffering. Some children ran away, only to be returned by police and dismissed as troublemakers.

One survivor, Kelly Lees who is a client of Switalskis, waived her anonymity to speak publicly about her experiences. She described being targeted because she was well behaved and compliant - a reminder that abuse is never about a child’s behaviour, but about the choices of adults who exploit their authority.

Another former resident, Chris Wild, spoke of the devastating long-term impact on those who lived at the home, including the tragic reality that some former children later took their own lives.

Police and the NSPCC acknowledged serious failings in how children were protected at the time, while praising the bravery of survivors whose evidence has finally exposed what happened.

Kieran Chatterton , child abuse claims solicitor at Switalskis, said:

“For our clients, this case has never just been about a verdict. It has been about being believed. Many of the survivors we represent have carried the weight of what happened to them at Skircoat Lodge for decades.

“The jury’s findings are a powerful acknowledgment of their experiences and of the abuse of authority that took place. I am incredibly proud of the courage shown by Kelly and others who chose to speak openly. Their bravery has helped ensure that what happened at the home is now recognised publicly.”

Recognition matters

For many survivors of childhood abuse, especially those abused in care, the passage of time can make justice feel out of reach. When perpetrators are elderly or unwell, criminal proceedings can be complex and emotionally exhausting.

At Switalskis, we know that speaking out is never easy. Many survivors carry feelings of shame, guilt or fear that were instilled in them as children. None of that responsibility belongs to them.

If you are reflecting on your own experiences in care, or wondering what these findings might mean for you, you do not have to navigate that alone. Specialist legal advice can help you understand your options in a way that is clear, supportive and entirely at your pace.

Getting advice and support

If you are affected by these issues and want confidential advice about your legal options specialist abuse support is available.