Jurors at Stafford Crown Court have heard that Rubin Blount, a vulnerable man who died in 2022 after allegedly being starved and battered by his carers, would attend school as a child with dirty fingernails and wearing pyjamas under his uniform. The 28-year-old was described as a 'walking skeleton' at the time of his death.
Teachers Describe a 'Well-Loved Boy'
Statements from five former teachers were read to the jury by prosecutor Jennifer Josephs KC. A teaching assistant from Quince Tree special education school in Tamworth said Rubin was 'very sweet' but prone to outbursts where he would 'explode' and 'throw tables and chairs'. She recalled he came to school with pyjamas under his uniform, had dirty nails, and looked like he hadn't washed regularly. 'I got on well with Ruben, I had a soft spot for him. He was the kind of student you wanted to take home, feed and give a bath to,' she said.
Another teaching assistant from the same school said: 'Even though he could be difficult, he was a lively character. Everyone, including myself, loved him.'
Former Headteacher Recalls Concerns
Victoria Vernon, former headmistress of Quince Tree, said staff needed to know how to handle Rubin. She noted his uniform had a smell, and staff would 'orchestrate accidents' to wash his clothes and provide a fresh uniform. She added: 'I wouldn't send him home because he said his dad would belt him.'
Retired teacher Pauline Perkins told the court that Rubin had the emotional maturity of a child no older than eight when he reached sixth form. Asked about his vulnerabilities, she said: 'He thought everyone was his friend,' and that he would talk to 'total strangers at bus stops.' She added: 'He was never left unsupervised at school, a member of staff was always within earshot.'
Defendants Charged with Murder
Kenneth Newton, 57, and Melanie James, 63, from Handsworth, Birmingham, are charged with Rubin's murder. They also face alternative charges of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult between 1 and 27 November 2022. They have denied all charges.
Social workers had placed Rubin into the couple's care. He was a 'sort of step-brother' to Newton, having been brought up by the victim's father. In the weeks before his death, Rubin was seen rummaging through bins for food and weighed just seven stones. Jurors heard he sustained numerous rib fractures, a fractured spine, and cigarette burns.
Police Evidence Presented
The defendants were arrested on 1 December 2022, when police seized two phones. An audio clip played in court captured a man and woman asking another man why he was 'awake, in bed, p****ing yourself'. A mumbled male voice responded.
The trial continues.
