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A Birmingham man and a woman have appeared in court charged with murdering the man’s stepbrother.

Kenneth Newton, 57, and Melanie James, 63, both from Stafford Road in Handsworth, were charged with killing Newton’s stepbrother Rubin Blount.

Police responded to reports of concerns for the welfare of a man in Tamworth at 1.27pm on Sunday, November 27, 2022.

Mr Blount was taken to Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield but died three days later.

Newton and James have been charged with murder, manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult.

Newton appeared via video-link from HMP Dovegate in Uttoxeter wearing a grey jumper and an orange sash.

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He appeared to wipe his eyes and nose as he sat behind a table during the hearing

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