A 92 year old pensioner is one of two people to have appeared at Bradford Crown Court on 19 February. Both Malcolm Philips and Linda Brunning, 65, have been charged with various offences relating to the alleged sexual abuse of children at Skircoat Lodge, Halifax, between the 1970’s and 1990’s.

The abuse at Skircoat Lodge, a former care home in West Yorkshire, has been a matter of public concern for many years. Malcolm Phillips, the manager of Skircoat Lodge for nearly two decades, was convicted in 2001 for the repeated sexual abuse of children in his care and sentenced to seven years in prison. Other staff members, including Andrew Shalders, a social worker who was sentenced to 15 years for abusing boys, were also convicted of similar crimes. Another individual, Terence O’Hagan, faced charges but passed away before conviction.

The systemic abuse at Skircoat Lodge occurred over several decades, spanning the 1970s to the 1990s, before the home’s closure in 1995. The full extent of the abuse only emerged after the home was shut down, leaving many victims struggling for justice.

In recent years, survivors have called for inquiries into historical abuse at care homes in Calderdale to be reopened. It has now come to light that Malcolm Phillips and Linda Brunning are facing fresh charges relating to offences allegedly committed during their time at Skircoat Lodge. These charges come as a result of a lengthy investigation by West Yorkshire Police, known as Operation Henway.

Operation Henway is a comprehensive investigation led by West Yorkshire Police, focusing on non-recent child sexual abuse cases in Calderdale. The operation has been instrumental in uncovering new evidence and bringing fresh charges against individuals involved in historical abuse cases. The investigation has been complex and extensive, involving multiple victims and offenders.

For Malcolm Philips the new charges relate to further offences allegedly committed during his time at Skircoat Lodge, and for Linda Brunning they are charges of aiding and abetting. The case was heard on 19 February at Bradford Crown Court, and a 6 week trial was diarised to start on 5 January 2026

Switalskis, which has represented many survivors of the abuse at Skircoat Lodge over many years, was present at the hearing. Kieran Chatterton, a specialist abuse solicitor at Switalskis, commented:

"The hearing represents another significant step in the pursuit of justice for those who suffered at Skircoat Lodge. We are committed to supporting survivors and ensuring that their voices are heard. The upcoming trial of Malcolm Phillips and Linda Brunning, set to begin on January 5, 2025, will be a crucial moment for many who have waited years for justice."

If you or someone you know has been affected by the abuse at Skircoat Lodge, it is important to seek legal advice. Switalskis Solicitors has a dedicated team of specialists who can provide support and guidance through the legal process. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and are here to help you achieve the justice you deserve.

For more information or to speak with one of our solicitors, please contact us at 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com