Children's home manager, 93, convicted of historic abuse

A 93-year-old former manager, Malcolm Phillips, was convicted in a trial of the facts of multiple historic sexual offences at Skircoat Lodge Care Home and his former deputy, Linda Brunning, was also found guilty. Sentencing is scheduled for April.

A former manager of Skircoat Lodge Care Home in Halifax has been found guilty in relation to historic sexual offences against children placed at the home. Malcolm Phillips, now 93, was ruled unfit to stand trial and was the subject of a trial of the facts. His long-time deputy, Linda Brunning, was also convicted after the same trial. A judge indicated both will be sentenced in April. Key facts: - Malcolm Phillips was convicted by a jury in a trial of the facts of multiple historic sexual offences reported between 1976 and 1994; he had been ruled unfit to stand trial. - Linda Brunning was found guilty of offences including restraining a child and indecent assault while working at the home. - The incidents involved children who had been placed at Skircoat Lodge; police thanked survivors for coming forward and said their accounts led to the convictions. Summary: Officials reported that children placed at the care home were harmed by staff who had responsibility for them. The jury delivered guilty findings for both Malcolm Phillips and Linda Brunning, and sentencing is scheduled for April. Undetermined at this time.