Published: 02 August ‘2025. The English Chronicle Online
A 76-year-old man has been remanded into custody on serious child cruelty charges following a disturbing incident at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, where multiple children were taken ill after allegedly consuming sweets laced with sedatives.
Jon Ruben, of Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, appeared before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where he faced three counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning or exposing children in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health. The charges pertain to three boys attending the camp, aged between eight and eleven, during the period of 25 to 29 July.
The alarming case came to light after Leicestershire Police received reports of children feeling unwell last Sunday at the camp held at Stathern Lodge near Melton. Emergency services responded to the scene, and eight boys, along with one adult, were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, all have since been discharged.
During the brief court appearance, Ruben spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address. He did not enter a plea and was remanded into custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Leicester Crown Court on 29 August.
In a statement, Leicestershire Police clarified that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are entirely independent from those who use or hire the facility, and have no connection to the incident. The police also acknowledged an internal discrepancy regarding the timing of the initial report. Officers first cited the incident as occurring on Monday before revising the date to Sunday. As a result, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), although it remains unclear whether the referral is specifically linked to the timing error or broader concerns about police response.
The case has sparked widespread concern over child safety protocols at temporary youth events and the responsibilities of those trusted to oversee the wellbeing of minors in non-parental care. The full details of what transpired at the camp have yet to emerge, but the nature of the charges has deeply unsettled the local community and raised questions about safeguarding standards and background checks for camp personnel.
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the families involved, the camp organizers, and the wider public await clarity and justice. The upcoming court appearance is expected to shed further light on the incident that has left many alarmed and searching for answers.
