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Sentencing of camp leader
Jon Ruben, 76, a retired vet and long-time leader of Christian youth camps at Stathern Lodge, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court to 23 years and 10 months in prison plus an eight-year licence period.
“Jon Ruben, 76, a former vet who ran a children’s summer camp for about 27 years, was jailed on 6 February 2026 for 23 years and 10 months, with a further eight years on licence.”
Courts and prosecutors said he admitted multiple offences, including sexual assault of children under 13, assault by penetration, child cruelty, making indecent images and drug offences.
The offending took place over a weekend in July 2025 and was uncovered after dozens of children fell ill and concerns were reported to police.
Judge Timothy Spencer KC described Ruben's actions as carefully planned, dangerous and causing harm "at the highest level."
Sweets drugging investigation
Prosecutors and multiple reports describe a methodical pattern in which Ruben laced very sweet, sticky confectionery with tranquillisers bought illegally.
Using syringes and his veterinary knowledge, he administered the drug to groups of boys during a so-called 'sweet game'.
Tests on victims and on sweets identified an illegal liquid Xanax-type drug in some samples.
Several outlets report Ruben believed he had ordered temazepam from the dark web.
Investigators say he used his position in the church community and his long-standing role at the camp to gain access and trust.
Harm to children and families
Victims and their families described severe immediate and long-term harm.
“He was arrested in July 2025 after eight children aged 8–11 were taken to hospital; tests found liquid Xanax had been used on some victims.”
Reports say eight children — and, in some accounts, ten boys in total — were taken to hospital with symptoms including vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech and difficulty walking.
Some children were found unconscious, and one later began self-harming after discovering what had happened.
Impact statements read in court described the offences as chilling and said they caused lasting psychological damage.
Seized evidence and allegations
Investigators uncovered a wide range of incriminating material and evidence, including syringes, baby oil, vials and other drug paraphernalia seized from Ruben’s property and camp accommodation.
His step‑son’s photographs helped trigger police involvement, and officers found large quantities of indecent images and videos on seized devices.
Some outlets reported counts for the images and noted none were of children from the camp, while others said Ruben had written to join online paedophile groups and possessed documents outlining dosing plans and lethal dosage tables.
These details underpinned the prosecution’s portrait of an offender who used expertise and planning to facilitate abuse.
Sentencing and impact
Sentencing coverage records visceral reactions from victims' families and Ruben's partner.
“His partner, Susan Ruben — who said she had been drugged so she did not wake while he carried out the attacks — called him a "sadistic, monstrous paedophile" and said she felt "completely betrayed."”
Several sources report victims' parents called Ruben a "devious child sexual predator," and his partner described him as a "sadistic, monstrous paedophile" who had betrayed community trust; impact statements noted lasting emotional harm, including a child's self-harm.
The judge declared Ruben a dangerous offender, finding his deliberate drugging to facilitate sexual assaults warranted a lengthy custodial and licence period.