Two People Charged in Relation to Non-recent Child Sex Abuse at Skircoat Lodge

Skircoat Lodge Observation and Assessment Centre in Halifax West Yorkshire was opened by Calderdale Council in 1976 to assess vulnerable children. It closed in 1995.  

West Yorkshire police have today announced that two people are due to appear at Bradford Magistrates Court tomorrow (Tuesday 21 January 2025) charged with multiple child sexual offences from over 30 years ago.

The police investigation was launched in 2018 into child sexual abuse which occurred at Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home between 1970-1995.

Malcolm Phillips, 91 of Tyseley, Birmingham has been charged with 32 offences, relating to seven victims both male and female between 1976-1994.

The charges include rape, indecent assault, gross indecency and other sexual offences including two counts of aiding and abetting an unknown male to commit indecent assault. 

He has also been charged with three other sexual offences as well as aiding and abetting a man to commit a sexual offence.

Linda Brunning, 65 of Sowerby Bridge, has been charged with 15 offences, relating to three victims, male and female between 1980-1994.  

These include indecent assault, and other offences in which she is accused of aiding and abetting sexual offending. 

Jordans solicitors have previously successfully acted in claims relating to alleged sexual abuse at children’s homes. 

Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

Justice for child abuse survivors should be accessible no matter how long ago it happened. That’s why we fought for a landmark change in the law, which allows an abuse claim to be brought before a court regardless of when it took place.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors.