The abuse that took place at Skircoat Lodge, a former children’s home in Halifax, has been a matter of serious public concern for many years. The home, which operated from the 1970s until its closure in 1995, has been linked to widespread and systemic abuse of children in care, much of which only came to light years later.

For many survivors, the impact of that abuse has been lifelong. Questions about accountability, institutional failure and the treatment of vulnerable children in care have continued long after the home closed.

Supporting survivors connected to Skircoat Lodge

Switalskis has represented many survivors of abuse connected to Skircoat Lodge and has supported individuals through a range of legal processes arising from what happened there. This includes not only civil claims for compensation, but also support through public hearings and wider investigations examining historic abuse in care.

Our nationally recognised abuse team has extensive experience in representing survivors of institutional abuse and understands the complexity and sensitivity of cases involving historic wrongdoing. We recognise that for many survivors, engagement with legal processes can be challenging, and support often extends beyond the courtroom.

Case transferred to the Crown Court

The latest developments follow a case that was heard at Bradford Magistrates’ Court last year and has now been transferred to Bradford Crown Court.

A trial has opened relating to alleged abuse at Skircoat Lodge involving Malcolm Phillips, 92, who managed the home for almost two decades, and his former assistant, Linda Brunning, 66. Phillips faces charges including rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child relating to alleged offences between 1976 and 1994. He has been deemed unfit to stand trial, and the court is therefore hearing a trial of facts to determine whether the alleged acts occurred.

Brunning denies charges of indecent assault and of aiding and abetting sexual offences said to have taken place at the home during the 1980s and 1990s. A full trial is taking place in relation to those allegations.

Jurors were told that the allegations relate to six complainants, four women and two men,and span almost two decades. The prosecution alleges that vulnerable children in care were isolated, manipulated and threatened in order to facilitate abuse. Both defendants deny the allegations, and the trial is ongoing.

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 survivor. 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 who would like to speak to a specialist solicitor can contact Switalskis on kieran.chatterton@switalskis.com or by phone on 01924 882000 .