Pair face trial over children's home sex charges

A 92-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman are due to stand trial next year for sex offences at a West Yorkshire children's home dating back almost 50 years.

Malcolm Phillips and Linda Brunning are accused of committing the offences at Skircoat Lodge Children's Home in Halifax between 1976 and 1994.

Mr Phillips, who appeared at Bradford Crown Court via video-link on Wednesday, and Ms Brunning, who attended the same court in person, were told their trial was scheduled to begin on 5 January 2026 and it was likely to last six weeks.

Neither defendant has been asked to enter pleas to their respective charges as yet.

Last month, Mr Phillips, of New Imperial Crescent in Tyseley, Birmingham, was charged with 32 offences, including rape and indecent assault, relating to seven victims between 1976 and 1994.

Ms Brunning, of Peter's Avenue in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, was charged with 15 offences relating to three victims between 1980 and 1994.

Both were granted bail ahead of their next court appearance, which will either be on 21 July or 7 August, depending on the progress of pre-trial preparations.

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