Man Charged with Child Cruelty Over Alleged Sedative-Laced Sweets at Leicestershire Camp
Published 2 August 2025
Highlights
- Jon Ruben, 76, faces charges of child cruelty after children fell ill at a Leicestershire summer camp.
- The charges involve three boys allegedly exposed to sedative-laced sweets between July 25 and July 29.
- Ruben was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Leicester Crown Court on August 29.
- Eight boys and one adult were hospitalized as a precaution but have since been discharged.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the police's handling of the incident.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Man Charged with Child Cruelty Over Alleged Sedative-Laced Sweets at Leicestershire Camp
A 76-year-old man has been charged with child cruelty offences following an incident at a summer camp in Leicestershire, where children reportedly fell ill after consuming sweets allegedly laced with sedatives. Jon Ruben, from Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, appeared in Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday, facing three counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children to unnecessary suffering or injury to health.
Incident Details
The charges against Ruben relate to an incident at Stathern Lodge, a summer camp in north Leicestershire, where three boys reportedly became ill between July 25 and July 29. The situation prompted a police investigation after eight boys, aged between eight and 11, and one adult were taken to the hospital as a precaution. All have since been discharged.
Court Proceedings
During the brief court hearing, Ruben confirmed his name, date of birth, and address but did not indicate how he would plead. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Leicester Crown Court on August 29. The court was informed that the charges are connected to sweets allegedly laced with sedatives.
Community and Police Response
Ruben was arrested on Monday evening at a nearby pub on suspicion of administering a noxious substance with intent to harm. Neighbours reported seeing distressed parents at a village hall in Plungar, which served as a triage centre for the affected children. Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the police's handling of the incident, following reports of conflicting accounts from officers regarding the timeline of events.
Lodge Ownership Clarification
Police have clarified that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are not under investigation, emphasizing their independence from the incident.
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Scenario Analysis
As Jon Ruben prepares for his next court appearance, the legal proceedings could potentially uncover more details about the alleged sedative-laced sweets and the extent of the children's exposure. The outcome of the IOPC investigation into the police's response may also influence public confidence in local law enforcement. If found guilty, Ruben could face significant legal consequences, which may prompt further scrutiny of safety protocols at similar summer camps across the region.
A 76-year-old man has been charged with child cruelty offences following an incident at a summer camp in Leicestershire, where children reportedly fell ill after consuming sweets allegedly laced with sedatives. Jon Ruben, from Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, appeared in Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday, facing three counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children to unnecessary suffering or injury to health.
Incident Details
The charges against Ruben relate to an incident at Stathern Lodge, a summer camp in north Leicestershire, where three boys reportedly became ill between July 25 and July 29. The situation prompted a police investigation after eight boys, aged between eight and 11, and one adult were taken to the hospital as a precaution. All have since been discharged.
Court Proceedings
During the brief court hearing, Ruben confirmed his name, date of birth, and address but did not indicate how he would plead. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Leicester Crown Court on August 29. The court was informed that the charges are connected to sweets allegedly laced with sedatives.
Community and Police Response
Ruben was arrested on Monday evening at a nearby pub on suspicion of administering a noxious substance with intent to harm. Neighbours reported seeing distressed parents at a village hall in Plungar, which served as a triage centre for the affected children. Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the police's handling of the incident, following reports of conflicting accounts from officers regarding the timeline of events.
Lodge Ownership Clarification
Police have clarified that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are not under investigation, emphasizing their independence from the incident.
What this might mean
As Jon Ruben prepares for his next court appearance, the legal proceedings could potentially uncover more details about the alleged sedative-laced sweets and the extent of the children's exposure. The outcome of the IOPC investigation into the police's response may also influence public confidence in local law enforcement. If found guilty, Ruben could face significant legal consequences, which may prompt further scrutiny of safety protocols at similar summer camps across the region.
