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Couple Guilty of Murdering Vulnerable Step-Brother
30 Jul
Summary
- Couple convicted of murdering vulnerable 28-year-old step-brother.
- Victim found with extensive pneumonia, fractures, burns, and lesions.
- Accused denied him access to medical care, worsening his health.
A man and woman have been convicted of murdering the man's vulnerable step-brother. Kenneth Newton, 57, and Melanie James, 63, were found guilty of inflicting severe abuse on 28-year-old Rubin Blount. Blount was admitted to the hospital on November 27, 2022, after becoming unwell, later suffering a fatal heart attack.
Doctors discovered Blount, who weighed only six stone, had extensive pneumonia, infection, multiple fractures, burns, lesions, and grazes. Staffordshire Police investigations revealed the couple threatened, verbally abused, and physically assaulted him over a prolonged period, leaving him severely dehydrated and malnourished. Evidence showed their actions intended to cause him serious harm.
Newton and James, his carers, denied causing harm and claimed they provided for his care needs. However, officers discovered abhorrent living conditions in Blount's bedroom. The pair have been remanded in custody for sentencing on September 25.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Fitzgerald described the suffering inflicted as "cruel and deplorable," extending condolences to Rubin's parents and the wider community affected by his death.
