A Birmingham couple has been accused of battering and starving a vulnerable man under their care until he resembled a 'walking skeleton', a court has heard. Kenneth Newton, 57, and Melanie James, 63, are on trial at Stafford Crown Court for the murder of Rubin Blount at their Tamworth home in November 2022.
Details of Abuse
The court was told that Blount, who had learning disabilities and a low IQ, was placed with the couple by social workers in 2015. In the weeks leading up to his death, he was seen rummaging through bins for food and weighed just seven stones. He also suffered numerous rib fractures, a fractured spine, and cigarette burns. Prosecutor Jennifer Josephs KC described Newton and James as 'cruel and violent', stating they 'treated their dog with more kindness and care' than Blount.
Financial Exploitation
The couple, described as 'recovering drug addicts', continued to look after Blount for their own financial benefit. James controlled his finances and bank card, with £1,100 in benefits for all three being paid into Blount's account. The prosecutor said the arrangement provided them with a 'financial benefit' and kept their source of money.
Living Conditions
The living conditions in the couple's council property were described as 'disgusting', lacking heating, with mould-covered walls and a smell of urine. Members of the local community noticed Blount's deterioration. A shopkeeper said he was always dirty and had poor hygiene but was a 'lovely boy'. She sometimes gave him food, which he devoured, saying 'don't tell Mel'.
Hospitalization and Death
In November 2022, Blount was admitted to hospital after James informed his parents he hadn't eaten for two days. His parents were shocked to see him in a 'trance-like' state, 'thin, pale, emaciated and skeletal'. He was suffering from pneumonia, multiple rib fractures, kidney and liver dysfunction, and heart damage, and experienced a cardiac arrest. He died four days later from septic shock due to pneumonia and lung damage.
Ongoing Trial
Both Newton and James, from Handsworth, Birmingham, have denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, as well as charges of causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. The trial continues.
