Pensioners face court over historic child sex abuse charges, multiple victims involved

Malcolm Phillips, 91, and Linda Brunning, 65, have been charged with multiple historic child sexual offences in relation to allegations of abuse at Skircoat Lodge Children's Home in Halifax, stemming from an investigation initiated in 2018. Phillips faces 32 charges involving seven victims, including rape and indecent assault, occurring between 1976 and 1994. Brunning is charged with 15 offences involving three victims from 1980 to 1994, including aiding and abetting sexual offences. Both defendants are on bail and are scheduled to appear in Bradford Magistrates' Court. Meanwhile, a trial is ongoing for Raymond Harrison, 73, who is accused of sexually abusing two girls in the Keswick area over several months, with the prosecution presenting evidence of grooming and manipulation. Harrison denies the allegations, claiming the accusations are false and potentially fabricated.