COUPLE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

COUPLE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

Two people who murdered a vulnerable man in Tamworth have been sentenced to life imprisonment today (Friday 25 September), with a minimum term of 21 years.

Our investigation into the tragic death of 28-year-old Rubin Blount found abhorrent abuse inflicted at the hands of the people who were trusted to care for him.

Rubin’s stepbrother, Kenneth Newton, 57, and his partner, Melanie James, 63, both of Birmingham, were both convicted of murder following a six-week trial at Stafford Crown Court that concluded on 30 July. They have been sentenced at Stafford Crown Court today.

We’ve been working tirelessly to deliver justice ever since concerns over Rubin’s health were first reported to us in November 2022, when he was admitted to hospital weighing just 40 kilograms with multiple injuries.

Our investigation found that Newton and James subjected Rubin to horrendous physical and emotional abuse. They assaulted him on numerous occasions, denied him medical care and forced him to stand for significant periods of time.

Now, they’ve been brought to justice.

Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald, from our major investigations department, said: “The loss of Rubin will continue to affect those who knew him, deeply, and I’d like to extend my thoughts to them at this time.

“The suffering and abuse I have seen during our investigation of this case has been difficult to comprehend, and I’m pleased with the outcome at court today.”