00:00A former assistant at a Halifax children's home has been convicted of offences connected to
00:04long-running abuse uncovered by police investigations. 66-year-old Linda Brunning
00:09of Sowerby Bridge in Calderdale was found guilty at Bradford Crown Court of one count of indecent
00:15assault, two counts of aiding and abetting indecent assault, and more serious offences.
00:22The charges relate to abuse at Skirkut Lodge children's home between the 1970s and the 1990s.
00:29The home provided temporary accommodation for children aged 4 to 16 who were subject to care
00:34orders and placed there for their own safety. 93-year-old Malcolm Phillips, a former manager
00:40employed by Calderdale Social Services, was deemed unfit to stand trial. A trial of facts was held
00:46where a jury considers the evidence but cannot return a guilty verdict or result in a sentence.
00:51The judge is yet to determine what orders are appropriate in this case. West Yorkshire Police
00:55reopened inquiries in 2018, reviewing more than 3,500 documents and speaking to over 1,100 individuals,
01:03including former residents and staff. Officers say further victim survivors came forward after
01:09earlier convictions in the late 1990s prompted renewed scrutiny of the home and its management.
01:14The investigation team said the process was complex and required careful examination of
01:19decades-old records and detailed witness accounts. Senior investigating officer, Detective's
01:24Chief Inspector Claire Smith, said she wanted to acknowledge the courage of those who reported
01:27abuse and supported proceedings in court.
01:29Meem the police pro to trial to trial andvoring through bank account.
01:30damit
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