THIS is the harrowing moment a twisted couple mock their disabled step-brother for “putting it on” before he died amid a campaign of cruelty.
Rubin Blount, 28, weighed just six stone and had 50 rib fractures when he was found in November 2022.
He had severe learning disabilities and couldn’t live independently so was entrusted into the care of Kenneth Newton, 57, and Melanie James, 64.
Horrific footage of the abuse Rubin suffered at the hands of his step-brother and his partner has since been released.
Rubin, gaunt and starved, can be seen standing in the doorway of a home as James taunts him.
She can be heard saying: “Are you gone yet? Why not? Why aint [sic] you fainted yet?”
Rubin feebly tries to reply saying “I’m getting there” and James continues to taunt him, saying: “I’m talking to you. You getting there are you?
“Well hurry up then. I’m getting there, nah see what I mean about him putting it on? I’m getting there.”
Stafford Crown Court heard that Rubin had been forced to eat out of bins after having his access to limited.
He was also forced to in his own urine amid the harrowing campaign of abuse.
Newton and James were found guilty of his murder in July and jailed for a minimum of 21 years each.
A member of public in the court shouted “rot in hell” at the deplorable couple as they were sent down for their sick crimes.
A trial heard that Rubin’s injuries had been the result of “violent acts” by Newton and James.
It was heard that the pair had intended to cause him serious harm.
They had mocked Rubin’s appearance and intellect and forced him to stand for long periods of time in twisted attempts to make him pass out.
After developing pneumonia, suffering 50 rib fractures, spine fractures, burns, lesions and grazes, Rubin was taken to hospital.
He was severely dehydrated and malnourished and died three days later.
It was heard that 47 of his rib fractures had been inflicted in the weeks leading up to his death.
Shortly after, Newton and James were arrested and told they were aware of Rubin’s vulnerabilities and denied causing him any harm.
An found that the sick couple had threatened, verbally and physically abused and assaulted Rubin in their home.
A court was also told that Rubin had reported being sexually abused.
In a victim impact statement, Rubin’s mum said he was vulnerable and deserved “compassion, dignity and a chance to live his life.”
She said: “We all believed they loved him and would take care of him.
“He was a son, a brother and friend and a person who was deeply loved by so many people – not just us, but people who knew him in the community.
“His life mattered and his loss has been felt by us all.
“His future was stolen and our family must now live with a lifetime of heartbreak.”
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald from Staffordshire said: “The suffering these two people inflicted upon Rubin, a vulnerable adult, was both cruel and deplorable.
“I am pleased that the jury has today found them guilty of their actions.
“My thoughts remain with Rubin’s parents, who have endured unimaginable heartache throughout this process and continue to live with the devastating loss of their son.
“The officers and staff involved in this case have worked tirelessly to investigate and to gather the evidence needed to ensure the jury were able to arrive at their decision today.
“I also know that Rubin was well known within the local community, and of his death deeply affected many people.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone involved in this , are with all those who knew and cared about him.”
