Summer Camp Predator’s Victims Drugged, Left Exhausted by Laced Sweets

Boys attending a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, suffered severe effects after consuming sweets laced with sedatives. Jon Ruben, 76, the camp leader, invited the children to indulge quickly in a “sweet game” that he had devised. The aftermath left the young campers feeling “tired and floppy,” resembling intoxication.

Details of the Incident

In July, reports emerged of eight children and an adult falling ill during the camp. Subsequent investigations led to Ruben’s arrest after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting two boys and committing child cruelty towards six others. He also admitted to administering a noxious substance to his wife, Susan, to prevent her from intervening during the assaults.

The Prosecution’s Case

During the trial, Mary Prior KC outlined how Ruben, utilizing his veterinary background, meticulously calculated the sedative dosage needed to incapacitate children. He illegally procured a sedative known as liquid Xanax, mistakenly believing it to be Temazepam. A “chocolate poisoning chart,” discovered in his possession, detailed the lethal amounts of drugs for varying species, including children.

The Impact on Victims

• Victims displayed signs of intoxication after consuming several laced sweets.
• Ruben carefully selected children and positioned them near his bedroom for isolated access.
• Parents expressed their horror and devastation during the court proceedings.

Ruben’s History of Abuse

For over 27 years, Ruben operated holiday camps for underprivileged children, often with a troubling history of children falling ill. His premeditated actions, characterized by a long-standing pattern of misuse, culminated in severe betrayals of trust among families involved.

Response from Victims’ Families

Emotional statements were delivered at the sentencing hearing, with victims’ parents describing their anguish and expressing outrage at Ruben’s actions. One mother called him a “disgusting, vile man,” emphasizing the potential consequences had he succeeded in further harming the children.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Ruben’s legal team acknowledged his remorse, highlighting his decision to plead guilty and spare the victims the trauma of a trial. The judge is expected to announce Ruben’s sentence soon, amid ongoing appeals for other potential victims to come forward.

The case underscores significant concerns regarding safety and trust at children’s camps. As the community processes the fallout from these events, conversations around prevention and accountability in such environments remain vital.