A man and woman from Birmingham have been jailed for the murder of Kenneth Newton's vulnerable step-brother, Rubin Blount. Kenneth Newton, 57, and his partner Melanie James, 63, were sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years at Stafford Crown Court on Friday.
Rubin Blount, 28, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, died in November 2022 after being admitted to hospital. Doctors found he had extensive pneumonia, severe infection, rib and spine fractures, burns, lesions, and grazes. He weighed only six stone and was severely dehydrated and malnourished.
Staffordshire Police's investigation revealed that Newton and James, who were Blount's carers, subjected him to threats, verbal abuse, and physical assaults in their home. They also denied him access to medical care, which led to a significant deterioration in his health. Officers found mould and "abhorrent conditions" in Blount's bedroom.