A man and woman have been jailed for the murder of his vulnerable step-brother.

Kenneth Newton, 57, and his partner Melanie James, 63, both from Birmingham, inflicted severe abuse on 28-year-old Rubin Blount while he was under their care.

Both were sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 21 years, at Stafford Crown Court on Friday.

Blount, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, was taken to hospital after becoming unwell on 27 November 2022, where he later suffered a heart attack.

After resuscitating Blount, who weighed only six stone (40kg), doctors found he had extensive pneumonia, severe infection, rib and spine fractures, as well as burns, lesions and grazes. He died three days later.

They mocked his appearance and intellect and forced him to stand for prolonged periods of time.

He had suffered 50 rib fractures, 47 of which had been inflicted in the weeks leading up to his death.

The force said Blount was also found to be severely dehydrated and malnourished.

Newton and James, who were his carers, were both arrested and told the police about his vulnerabilities and care requirements - denying causing him any harm.

Officers said they found mould and "abhorrent conditions" in Blount's bedroom.

The evidence presented during the trial at Stafford Crown Court showed that his injuries were the result of violent acts committed by the defendants, who intended to cause him serious harm, the force said.

Newton and James also denied him access to medical care, leading to a significant deterioration in his health.

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