The survivors of abuse at Skircoat Lodge obtain justice
Malcolm Phillips was the manager at Skircoat Lodge Observation and Assessment Centre in Halifax from when it opened in 1976 until 1994 when he was finally suspended during a NSPCC investigation into alleged abuse at the home. He was then dismissed by the council in 1996.
Linda Brunning was a residential social worker at the centre for 16 years from 1978.
The centre was a temporary facility to assess children who were extremely vulnerable and who had been placed in care by the local authority Calderdale Council. It was intended to be a sanctuary for them but for many of the children it proved to be anything but that. The centre eventually closed in 1995.
A joint investigation between the police and Social Services at Calderdale Council into abuse at Skircoat Lodge and other homes in the Calderdale area began in October 1997. There were a number of arrests and prosecutions in relation to abuse at the home.
Phillips was convicted in 2001 on 16 counts of indecent assault and 2 counts of indecency with a child. The offences took place between 1978 and 1988 and all related to the sexual abuse of young girls at the home.
A new police investigation into child sexual abuse at the centre commenced in 2018.
A criminal trial commenced in the Bradford Crown Court last month. The prosecution alleged that Phillips and Brunning misused the special opportunities provided to them by way of their position at the centre. They had access to the records of the children who were at the home carefully selected them and then isolated them and used a combination of bribes and threats to stop the children from disclosing the abuse. Children were also plied with alcohol. The prosecution said that children were then used for his sexual gratification.
Phillips had lived in a flat at the centre which led to the children’s bedrooms. The survivors of sexual abuse at the home have always found it difficult to understand why he was given access to the children day and night.
The Council selected trained monitored and supervised its employees at the centre but systemic errors and institutional failure allowed the abuse to persist over such an extended period of time.
Andrew Shalders was a social worker at the home. He was suspended by the council in 1985 after allegations of abuse were made by a number of boys but was reinstated a month later when the investigation was closed. He subsequently moved to Adult Services in 1988. He was suspended again by the council in 1997 after he was arrested. He was convicted on 22 counts relating to the sexual abuse of young boys and was imprisoned for 15 years. His offences occurred between 1976 and 1988.
It was reported at the time that 6 other individuals were arrested during the in connection with alleged physical and sexual abuse but it was considered that there was insufficient evidence for charges to be brought.
Phillips who is now 93 was deemed unfit to stand trial but a jury has found following a trial of facts that he sexually abused four girls and two boys at the centre.
Brunning was found guilty of indecent assault against a boy and helping Phillips to abuse another boy.
The criminal trial has been hugely traumatic for those who have given evidence at the court but also other survivors of sexual abuse there who were not chosen to be involved in the case or who were unable to report their abuse to the authorities. The extraordinary courage of those who gave evidence in open court to obtain justice shines brightly in what is otherwise a harrowing story of sexual abuse over nearly two decades.
Others who were unable to disclose their abuse or take part in the trial also deserve praise. The impact of child sex abuse is far-reaching and can result in lifelong struggles with mental health. Their inability to report the abuse to the authorities is a stark reminder of the devastating impact sexual abuse has on the survivors.
Our unwavering support is for survivors of abuse at the home and their search for justice and accountability.
Jordans Solicitors have previously successfully acted in claims relating to alleged sexual abuse at the centre and are currently acting on behalf of a number of survivors of sexual abuse at the centre. 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.
If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors.
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If you or your child have been affected by anything in this article and would like to speak to one of our highly qualified abuse team members in confidence, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our highly skilled Specialist Abuse Lawyers will advise you on the available options for pursuing a civil damages claim. Jordans successfully represent and secure compensation for numerous victims of abuse and are highly experienced in this area. They are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these types of sensitive cases. Please contact the abuse team on 08009555094 or 03303001103 or request a call back.