Halifax care home manager is accused of decades-long abuse

Court heard that Malcolm Phillips, 92, is accused of abusing children at Skircoat Lodge between 1976 and 1994; his former assistant Linda Brunning faces related charges, and a trial of facts opened for Phillips after he was deemed unfit to stand trial.

Proceedings opened at Bradford crown court on Monday in cases linked to alleged abuse at Skircoat Lodge, a residential home in Halifax. Prosecutors said Malcolm Phillips managed the home from its opening in 1976 and that alleged wrongdoing took place between 1976 and 1994. Linda Brunning, his former assistant of 16 years, faces related charges. Phillips has been deemed unfit to stand trial and a trial of facts began for him while Brunning faces a separate trial. Key points: - Prosecutors say Phillips used his position as manager from 1976 to 1994 and targeted specific children in his care. - Brunning, 66, is accused of facilitating assaults and of indecent assault on a male child. - The alleged victims were described in court as vulnerable and some had prior harm or difficulties before being placed at the home. - Phillips, 92, has been found unfit to stand trial; a trial of facts opened for him at Bradford Crown Court. - Brunning faces a full trial on charges including aiding and abetting and indecent assault. Summary: The court heard allegations concerning abuse at Skircoat Lodge over a period from 1976 to 1994 involving multiple complainants. Phillips has been ruled unfit for trial and a trial of facts is underway, while Brunning faces a separate trial.