A former children’s home manager who oversaw decades of abuse at Skircoat Lodge in Halifax has avoided prison due to his ill health, while his former assistant has received a 25‑year custodial sentence for her role in the offences.

Malcolm Phillips, now 93, was found to have committed multiple sexual and physical offences against six children - four girls and two boys - between 1976 and 1994. Although a jury concluded he carried out the acts, he was deemed unfit to stand trial and therefore could not be convicted or sentenced. Judge Kirstie Watson, bound by the statutory framework governing trials of fact, imposed an absolute discharge alongside a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

His former assistant, Linda Brunning, 67, of Sowerby Bridge, was convicted of indecently assaulting a boy and assisting Phillips in the sexual abuse of another boy during the 1980s and 1990s. She was described in court as a domineering presence who contributed to the climate of fear within the home.

Skircoat Lodge opened in 1976 as a place of safety for children aged four to sixteen who were subject to care orders. Instead, the court heard how Phillips “set the tone” for a regime in which children were isolated, humiliated and abused. Judge Watson described him as a “master manipulator” who used his authority to exploit vulnerable children over two decades.

Brunning worked alongside him throughout this period. Although she denied the allegations, her counsel acknowledged she “respects the verdicts”. The court also heard that after being removed from Skircoat Lodge in 1994, she worked with vulnerable adults without further complaints - but this did not diminish her role in the abuse of children at the home.

Phillips had previously been convicted in 2001 for abusing eight girls at Skircoat Lodge in the 1970s and 80s.

Det Ch Insp Claire Smith of West Yorkshire Police praised the courage of those who came forward, saying the outcome “cannot undo the harm” but represents long‑overdue recognition. She encouraged anyone affected by child abuse - whether connected to Skircoat Lodge or not - to report it, stressing that survivors will be listened to and believed.

How Switalskis can help

Switalskis’ abuse team  continues to support survivors affected by the abuse at Skircoat Lodge, including those who may not yet have sought legal advice.

Survivors may be able to pursue a civil claim for compensation, regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings. Civil claims focus on the responsibility of the organisations that failed to protect children in their care, such as local authorities or other bodies responsible for running or overseeing residential homes.

Many survivors are concerned that too much time has passed for them to take action. However, the courts recognise the reasons why survivors of child abuse may not have been able to come forward earlier, and time limits do not operate in the same way as they do in other types of claim.

Our specialist abuse solicitors provide confidential, trauma-informed advice and work at a pace set by the survivo. There is no obligation to proceed, and initial conversations are focused on listening, understanding and explaining options clearly.

Anyone affected by abuse at Skircoat Lodge can speak to our specialist children's home and foster case claims solicitors by contacting Kieran Chatterton or by calling 01924 882000 .