Summary
Malcolm Phillips, a former manager of a children's home in Halifax, and his assistant Linda Brunning, were found guilty of sexually abusing children in their care over several decades. Phillips was in charge of Skircoat Lodge from 1976 to 1994, during which he abused four girls and two boys. A court found Brunning guilty of indecent assault and helping Phillips abuse a child; she will be sentenced in April.
Key Facts
- Malcolm Phillips, 93, managed Skircoat Lodge and abused children from 1976 to 1994.
- Phillips was considered unfit for a traditional trial; a fact-finding hearing was held instead.
- Linda Brunning, 66, was found guilty of indecent assault and assisting Phillips.
- Brunning will receive her sentence in April, facing a "substantial" jail term.
- The court heard Phillips used his power to isolate and abuse specific children.
- Children who tried to escape were often returned to the home and labeled troublemakers.
- The NSPCC investigated in 1994, finding excessive force and deprivation of necessities.
- Malcolm Phillips has prior convictions for similar crimes dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.
