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Paedophile Camp Leader Jailed for Drugging and Abusing Children
A UK summer camp leader who drugged children with sweets mixed with tranquilizers before sexually abusing them has been sentenced to more than 23 years in prison.
Jon Ruben, 76, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court to 23 years and 10 months in custody. He will also serve an additional eight years on licence after his release. The court heard that Ruben ran a children’s camp for at least 27 years and used his position of trust to carry out serious sexual abuse.
Children Taken to Hospital After Falling Ill
Ruben was arrested in July after eight children attending the camp were taken to hospital. Investigators later confirmed that liquid Xanax had been used on some of the victims at Stathern Lodge in Leicestershire.
Prosecutors said the children became unwell after taking part in a sweet game. Many struggled to walk, had slurred speech, and could not wake up properly. Some children were still disoriented the following morning.
Sweets Injected With Drugs
Police seized sweets with small injection marks, along with baby oil and syringes containing white powder. The court heard that Ruben used his training as a veterinary surgeon to illegally obtain sedatives, research dosages, and inject the drugs into very sweet confectionery.
Concerns were first raised by Ruben’s stepson, who found suspicious items including syringes and baby oil during the camp.
Guilty Pleas to Multiple Offences
Ruben, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children, and four drug related offences.
He also admitted drugging his wife with temazepam so she would not wake while the abuse was taking place.
Judge Describes Harm as Extreme
During sentencing, Ruben became emotional as details of the case were read aloud in court. The judge told him to control his reactions while outlining the seriousness of the crimes.
The judge said the offences involved the deliberate drugging of boys aged between eight and 11 to allow sexual abuse without detection. He added that the level of harm caused to the children was extremely high.
Impact on Victims and Families
Victim statements described lasting emotional and psychological damage. One parent said their child had withdrawn and begun self harm, while others spoke of anger and betrayal after trusting Ruben with their children.
Parents told the court they believed the camp was safe because it was presented as a Christian event. Several said their trust had been completely broken.
Police Appeal for Further Information
Police said Ruben worked with children in schools, youth groups, and summer camps for more than two decades. Officers are urging anyone with further information or who may have been affected to contact them.
Authorities confirmed that the owners of Stathern Lodge were not involved in the abuse and had no connection to the offences.
