Former boss of Halifax Skircoat Lodge care home abused children for decades
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A jury has found that Malcolm Phillips, a former manager at Skircoat Lodge children's home in Halifax, and his assistant Linda Brunning sexually abused children under their care for over two decades. The abuse occurred between 1976 and 1994, with Phillips, now 93, targeting vulnerable boys and girls while exploiting his authority to isolate them. Brunning was found guilty of indecent assault and facilitating Phillips' crimes.
Phillips, deemed unfit to stand trial due to his advanced age, faced a finding-of-facts hearing at Bradford Crown Court. The court heard that children were coerced with threats of losing access to food or family visits, while others were sent back to the home after running away. Brunning, described as a "domineering" figure, played a key role in abusing and restraining victims, including a boy as young as nine who was sexually assaulted by Phillips. The youngest victim was between nine and 13 years old when abused.
The case highlights the systemic exploitation of vulnerable children, withPhillips using his position to maintain control and protect himself from suspicion. West Yorkshire Police revealed that Brunning took pleasure in physically harming and humiliating the children, whilePhillips used his power to create an environment where abuse went unchecked for nearly two decades.
This shocking revelation underscores broader concerns about the failure of institutions to protect children and the long-term psychological impact on victims. The case also raises questions about how such abuse could persist undetected for so long, with authorities only acting after multiple allegations were investigated in 199
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026