76-Year-Old Pensioner Charged Child Cruelty After Summer Camp Poisoning Leicestershire

Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old pensioner from Leicestershire, has been charged with three offences of wilful ill-treatment of children following an incident at a summer camp held at Stathern Lodge, where eight boys aged between eight and eleven and one adult fell ill after allegedly consuming sweets laced with sedatives. The children and adult were hospitalized as a precaution but have since been discharged. Ruben, who is a trustee of the charity organizing the camp and a former veterinary surgeon, appeared in Leicester Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody, with a Crown Court appearance scheduled. Authorities clarified that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge have no connection to the incident, and a major investigation is ongoing led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. The case has caused significant concern in the local community, with officials urging the public to avoid speculation or sharing information that could prejudice the proceedings. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the prosecution after reviewing police evidence, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to safeguarding all those affected.