In a deeply disturbing case that has rocked a quiet English village, a 76-year-old man is facing child cruelty charges after allegedly handing out sedative-laced candy to children at a summer camp.
Jon Ruben was arrested earlier this week after eight boys… aged 8 to 11… and one adult became violently ill while attending a youth camp at Stathern Lodge in Leicestershire, approximately 120 miles north of London.
Authorities say the group was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Thankfully, all have since been released. The shocking incident triggered an immediate investigation, and Ruben was apprehended the next day at a nearby pub.
Ruben, who lives roughly 15 miles from the lodge, now faces three counts of “willfully assaulting, neglecting, or exposing children to unnecessary suffering or injury.” The charges relate to three of the boys present at the camp.
On Saturday, he appeared in Leicester Magistrates’ Court but did not enter a plea. He will remain in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for August 19.
Leicestershire officials have described the situation as “deeply upsetting and shocking” for the community. Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the East Midlands, stated, “This is a devastating situation for the children, their families, and everyone involved.”
The camp was hosted at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse with sports and dining facilities, rented out by the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, a Christian charity. Authorities confirmed the charity had no involvement or connection to the alleged act, noting they only lease the space.
