West Midlands couple who abused vulnerable man in their care found guilty of murder

A couple who abused a vulnerable man in their care have been convicted of murder.

Kenneth Newton and Melanie James, of Birmingham, have been found guilty of the murder of 28-year-old Rubin Blount in Tamworth.

Newton, 57, who was Rubin’s step-brother, has been standing trial with his partner, James, 63, after they were both charged with offences relating to Rubin’s death.

In November 2022, Rubin was taken to hospital after he became unwell.

Upon his arrival he suffered a cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated but remained in a critical condition and was not expected to survive.

After being assessed, doctors found Rubin had extensive pneumonia, severe infection, rib and spine fractures, as well as burns, lesions and grazes.

He also was severely dehydrated and malnourished. Newton and James had been entrusted with his care.

At the time he was admitted to hospital, Rubin weighed only 40 kilograms.

Tragically, he died three days later.

Newton and James were both arrested and brought in for questioning.

They told Staffordshire Police they were aware of Rubin’s vulnerabilities and his care requirements.

They denied causing him any harm. The investigation revealed that Newton and James threatened, verbally abused and physically assaulted Rubin in their home.

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

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

Officers found mould and “abhorrent” conditions in Rubin’s bedroom.

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

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

Following a trial that ended at Stafford Crown Court on Thursday (July 30) Newton and James were both found guilty by the jury of murder.

They have both been remanded into custody ahead of their sentencing at Stafford Crown Court on September 25.

Speaking following the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald, from Staffordshire Police’s major investigations department, said: “The suffering these two people inflicted upon Rubin, a vulnerable adult, was both cruel and deplorable. I am pleased that the jury has today found them guilty of their actions.

“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.

“The officers and staff involved in this case have worked tirelessly to investigate and to gather the evidence needed to ensure the jury were able to arrive at their decision today.

“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.”