Jon Ruben

Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old former veterinarian from Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, appeared at Leicester Crown Court where he admitted to a series of grave offences involving the drugging and sexual assault of children at a summer camp he organised. The court heard that Ruben had been running holiday camps for at least 27 years, during which time multiple children reported feeling ill after participating in what he called the 'sweet game'.

Prosecutor Mary Prior KC outlined the disturbing details to Judge Timothy Spencer KC, explaining that the offences occurred at rented premises known as Stathern Lodge near a village in Leicestershire last summer. Ruben, who was in charge of the youngsters, devised a game where children were instructed to eat sticky sweets quickly while chewing them thoroughly. Unbeknownst to the participants, Ruben had laced these sweets with tranquillising drugs, including crushed-up liquid Xanax injected into them using syringes. This led to several children becoming severely ill, exhibiting symptoms such as slurred speech, difficulty walking, vomiting, and in some cases, unconsciousness. A total of eight children required hospitalisation following the incidents.

• Ruben admitted to sexual assault of a child under 13.
• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration.
• Eight counts of child cruelty towards six victims.
• Three counts of making indecent images of children, comprising 50 Category A videos, 22 Category B videos, and seven Category C videos, created between August 2023 and June 2024. These images were unrelated to the camp victims.
• Four drugs-related charges.

The investigation was triggered when Ruben's stepson discovered suspicious items, including baby oil and syringes containing white powder, during the camp. He raised concerns with his partner and contacted the police. Further inquiries revealed a long history of children falling ill at Ruben's camps, which he had dismissed as them being 'overwrought'. Prosecutor Prior warned of the potential severe consequences, stating, 'Consequences could have been damage to the heart and if we were to look at the worst case scenario, death.'

Although Ruben denied one charge of assault by penetration, prosecutors were granted two weeks to decide whether to proceed. He was remanded in custody pending a further hearing on 28 November 2024, where he will appear via prison video-link. Leicestershire Police, through Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden, described the case as 'a horrific, complex and emotional investigation involving multiple young, innocent, vulnerable victims and a man who committed the vilest crimes'. The force emphasised their ongoing support for the victims' welfare and safeguarding.

The offences took place in the United Kingdom, specifically in Leicestershire, England, confirming the jurisdiction under UK law. Stathern Lodge's owners clarified they are independent from the camp and not connected to the incident.