Man and woman guilty of murdering step-brother

A jury has found a man and woman guilty of murdering the man's vulnerable step-brother.

Kenneth Newton, 57, and his partner Melanie James, 63, both from Birmingham, inflicted severe abuse on 28-year-old Rubin Blount while he was under their care.

Blount, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, was taken to hospital after becoming unwell on 27 November 2022, where he later suffered a heart attack.

After resuscitating Blount, who weighed only six stone (40kg), doctors found he had extensive pneumonia, severe infection, rib and spine fractures, as well as burns, lesions and grazes. He died three days later.

Staffordshire Police said their investigation revealed that Newton and James threatened, verbally abused, and physically assaulted Blount in their home.

They mocked his appearance and intellect and forced him to stand for prolonged periods of time.

He had suffered 50 rib fractures, 47 of which had been inflicted in the weeks leading up to his death.

The force said Blount was also found to be severely dehydrated and malnourished.

Newton and James, who were his carers, were both arrested and told the police about his vulnerabilities and care requirements - denying causing him any harm.

Officers said they found mould and "abhorrent conditions" in Blount's bedroom.

The evidence presented during the trial at Stafford Crown Court showed that his injuries were the result of violent acts committed by the defendants, who intended to cause him serious harm, said the force.

Newton and James also denied him access to medical care, leading to a significant deterioration in his health.

Speaking following the conviction, Det Ch Insp Sean Fitzgerald said the suffering the pair inflicted on Blount was "both cruel and deplorable".

He said: "My thoughts remain with Rubin's parents, who have endured unimaginable heartache throughout this process and continue to live with the devastating loss of their son.

"I also know that Rubin was well known within the local community, and news of his death deeply affected many people.

"My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone involved in this investigation, are with all those who knew and cared about him."

The pair have both been remanded into custody ahead of their sentencing date at the Stafford Crown Court on 25 September.

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