Jurors at Stafford Crown Court have heard distressing evidence about the final years of a vulnerable man whose dramatic physical deterioration left neighbours fearing he was seriously ill.
Rubin Blount, 28, was living with Melanie James, 63, and Kenneth Newton, 57, after being placed in their care by social services. The pair, from Handsworth, Birmingham, are accused of murdering him, allegations they strongly deny.
Witnesses described watching Mr Blount’s condition worsen over time while he lived at a council property in Tamworth, Staffordshire. One neighbour told the court she was convinced he was battling cancer because of his increasingly frail appearance.
Rachel Collins, who lived nearby, said Mr Blount appeared painfully thin, withdrawn, and often unkempt. She recalled seeing him regularly standing alone near the end of the cul-de-sac, looking anxious and isolated.
“When his head was shaved, I genuinely thought he had cancer,” she told the jury. “He looked extremely poorly and his eyes appeared sunken.”
The court heard that neighbours frequently saw Mr Blount walking the household dog. Despite his deteriorating condition, witnesses remembered him as polite and friendly.
Louise Hanna, another resident, said his clothing appeared far too large for him and described him as “the skinny lad.” She said his weight loss was impossible to ignore and that he nevertheless remained courteous whenever they crossed paths.
Prosecutors allege that James and Newton, both former drug users, accepted responsibility for Mr Blount largely because of the financial benefits attached to his care. The Crown claims they exercised control over his income and subjected him to repeated humiliation and abuse.
Mr Blount had spent most of his early life living with his parents, Eric and Jeanette. Concerns surrounding his welfare eventually led to his relocation in 2015. He was subsequently placed with James and Newton, with Newton being presented as a supportive older-brother figure.
Evidence presented to the court suggests James managed Mr Blount’s finances, including welfare payments worth approximately £1,100 each month.
The prosecution has outlined what it describes as a prolonged campaign of cruelty. Jurors were told Mr Blount was allegedly forced to remain standing for extended periods while videos were recorded of him being mocked, ridiculed and threatened. Prosecutors further claim the household’s dog received more care and affection than the vulnerable man himself.
The extent of his injuries shocked medical staff when he was admitted to hospital on 27 November 2022. By that stage, Mr Blount weighed only seven stone, around 44 kilograms.
Doctors discovered almost 50 fractured ribs, injuries prosecutors say were inflicted during at least three separate incidents. He also suffered a broken spine, cigarette burns and numerous other wounds.
Mr Blount died three days later. The cause of death was recorded as septic shock resulting from pneumonia and severe damage to his lungs.
James and Newton deny murder, manslaughter, and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult during the period between 1 and 27 November 2022.
The trial remains ongoing.
