Jon Ruben: Summer Camp Leader Admits Drugging and Abusing Children at Leicestershire Lodge

A 76-year-old man has admitted to a horrific campaign of abuse at a children’s summer camp. Jon Ruben pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting young boys over many years.The case came to light after a mass poisoning incident in Leicestershire. Eight boys and one adult were hospitalized, exposing a long-running pattern of criminal behaviour.

Leicestershire Summer Camp Abuse: Decades of Deceit Uncovered

Jon Ruben, a former teacher from Ruddington, ran the holiday camp for 27 years. He targeted children from socially deprived backgrounds. The camp was held at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse near MeltonRuben admitted to 17 offences at Leicester Crown Court. His crimes include sexual assault of a child under 13 and assault by penetration. He also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child cruelty and administering poison.According to the BBC, he denied one additional sexual offence. Prosecutors will now decide if they will pursue a trial for that charge. The guilty pleas alone ensure a significant prison sentence.

The “Sweet Game” and a Delayed Police Response

Prosecutor Mary Prior KC detailed Ruben’s disturbing methods. He called it the “sweet game.” Ruben would enter the boys’ bedrooms at night with drugged sweets.The children were told to chew and swallow the treats quickly. The sedatives caused slurred speech, vomiting, and unconsciousness. This allowed Ruben to select his victims for abuse while others slept.Leicestershire Police have faced criticism for their response. Concerns were raised on a Friday, but officers did not attend until Sunday. The force has referred itself to the police watchdog, the IOPC.Sky News reported that police found drugs, sex toys, and syringes at the scene. They also recovered three unused sweets that had been injected with tranquilizers. This evidence was crucial to the case.

   

Lasting Trauma and Systemic Failures

The impact on the young victims is profound and lasting. Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden called the investigation “horrific and complex.” He emphasized the vulnerability of the children involved.Dedicated officers are supporting the victims and their families. The focus remains on their welfare and long-term recovery. Such trauma requires extensive specialist support.The case raises serious questions about safeguarding. How could this abuse continue for nearly three decades? It highlights potential gaps in oversight for organizations serving vulnerable youth.Ruben operated independently, recruiting from youth clubs and Sunday schools. The premises owner was not involved in the camp’s management. This isolation may have allowed the abuse to fester unnoticed.

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The Leicestershire summer camp abuse case serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance. It underscores the devastating consequences when trust is weaponized against the most vulnerable. Justice for the victims is now one step closer.

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What is Jon Ruben accused of?

Jon Ruben pleaded guilty to 17 offences. These include sexually assaulting children, child cruelty, and administering poison. He also admitted making indecent images of children.

How were the children drugged?

Ruben used a method he called the “sweet game.” He gave children sweets that had been injected with sedatives. The drugs caused vomiting and unconsciousness.

Where did the abuse take place?

The abuse occurred at a summer camp held at Stathern Lodge. This is a converted farmhouse near Melton in Leicestershire. Ruben ran the camp for 27 years.

What was the police response?

Leicestershire Police were criticized for a delayed response. They have referred themselves to the IOPC. An investigation into their handling of the incident is underway.

What happens next in the case?

Jon Ruben will be sentenced on November 28. He remains in custody until that date. The prosecution may still proceed on one denied charge.