Halifax Skircoat Lodge abuse survivors speak out
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two women who were sexually abused as children at Skircoat Lodge in Halifax during the 1990s have spoken out publicly to share their harrowing experiences. Karen Bentham and Kelly Lees waived their right to anonymity to reveal how they were exploited by Malcolm Phillips, then the home's manager, and his assistant Linda Brunning. The stories shed light on a dark chapter in the history of Skircoat Lodge, a children's home where fear and abuse were rampant.
Karen Bentham was just 14 when she was transferred to a single room known as "the flat," where Phillips began abusing her. She recalls the intense fear of hearing footsteps at night and the terror of being taken back to the lodge after running away. Similarly, Kelly Lees, who was 11 at the time, described how Phillips targeted her, grooming her with small gestures before sexually assaulting her. Both women were trapped in a cycle of abuse, with no one listening to their cries for help.
The trial revealed that multiple children were abused daily at Skircoat Lodge, with both Phillips and Brunning playing roles in the exploitation. Phillips was deemed unfit to stand trial due to his mental state, but he was found guilty of raping Karen during her time there. Brunning, who took pleasure in "physically hurting and humiliating children," was convicted of indecent assault as well.
The stories of these survivors highlight the failures of the care system and the lasting trauma caused by such abuse. Their courage to speak out is a testament to their strength and the importance of raising awareness about institutional abuse. This case underscores the need for accountability and systemic changes to prevent similar atrocities in the future. For readers interested in global human rights issues, this story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in care systems and the impact of unchecked power on vulnerable populations.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026