Former care home worker jailed for 25 years over child abuse offences

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 12:27

A former assistant at a Halifax children's home has been jailed for 25 years for her role in the sexual abuse of children in her care.

A former assistant at a Halifax children's home has been jailed for 25 years following her conviction for sexual offences against children in her care.

Linda Brunning, aged 67, of Sowerby Bridge, appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Monday 8 June for sentencing after being found guilty in February of one count of indecent assault on a male child and four offences of aiding and abetting serious sexual abuse.

The offences took place at Skircoat Lodge Children's Home in Halifax between the 1970s and 1990s.

Brunning was sentenced to 25 years in prison and was made subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

The court also made final orders relating to Malcolm Phillips, aged 93, the former manager of Skircoat Lodge Children's Home.

Phillips, formerly of Tyseley in Birmingham, was deemed unfit to stand trial and faced a trial of facts instead. A jury concluded that he committed sexual offences against children in his care.

The court imposed an Absolute Discharge in his case but made him subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

West Yorkshire Police said the outcome represented long-overdue accountability for offences committed against vulnerable children.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith of Calderdale District Police praised the survivors for their bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation after many years.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm