Melanie James, 63, accused of murdering a vulnerable man under her care, claimed he watched CBBC to look at young children and searched for explicit images, a court has heard.
Background of the case
James and co-defendant Kenneth Newton, 57, are accused of murdering 28-year-old Rubin Blount in November 2022. The alleged murder took place at their residence in Tamworth, Staffordshire, where Blount was reportedly starved and battered before dying in hospital.
On Thursday, June 25, Stafford Crown Court heard witness testimony from Mr Flynn, a complex care co-ordinator at charity Humankind. He visited James on August 3, 2022, to support her with an eviction case.
Witness testimony
Mr Flynn described the property as "untidy and unkept" but not "overly untidy" compared to "crack dens" he had seen. He later contacted Tamworth Borough Council and was told of concerns about a male living at the property—Rubin Blount.
When Mr Flynn raised the issue with James the next day in his car outside her home, she became "hysterical." James claimed Rubin would look down her top while walking downstairs and "openly masturbate in front of Melanie in his bedroom with the door open."
James said she was "fearful of being sexually assaulted" and asked Kenneth to wait outside the bathroom while she used it. Neighbours had also complained about Rubin exposing himself in the back garden near children.
Another concern was that Rubin spent all his money on scratch cards and would demand more from James and Newton. Mr Flynn made a referral to adult social services and contacted Tamworth Police.
Cross-examination
In cross-examination, Rebecca Wade KC, defending James, challenged Mr Flynn's evidence about James fearing sexual assault. Mr Flynn admitted his statement did not include that phrase, but said James felt "at risk."
Prosecutor Robert Forrest noted that James asked her partner to stand outside the bathroom, indicating fear of Rubin.
Second witness
A second witness, Ms Eade from Staffordshire County Council's safeguarding team, spoke to James on August 5, 2022. James described "the sexualised background" and claimed Rubin had been staring at young children, watched CBBC to look at children, and searched for explicit content online.
James also alleged Rubin posted about a local girl on Facebook, prompting a threat from her father.
Ongoing trial
Social workers had placed Blount in the care of James and Newton, the latter considered his step-brother. The defendants, originally from Handsworth, Birmingham, deny murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, as well as causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult between 1 and 27 November 2022.
The trial continues.
