**Man, 76, Charged After Children Become Ill at Leicestershire Summer Camp – Sweets Allegedly Contained Sedatives**
A 76-year-old man from Nottinghamshire has been formally charged with multiple child cruelty offences following a disturbing incident at a summer camp in Leicestershire, where several children became unwell after allegedly ingesting sweets laced with sedatives.
Jon Ruben, of Wayte Court in Ruddington, appeared before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning, facing three allegations of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning or exposing children in a manner that could cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health. The charges relate to incidents involving three boys at Stathern Lodge, which occurred between 25 and 29 July.
According to statements made in court, the offences are alleged to have occurred at a camp based at Stathern Lodge on Canal Lane near the village of Stathern. Police began their investigation after being contacted on Sunday by reports that several children had fallen ill. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and soon determined a need for medical assessment of those involved.
Eight boys, aged between eight and eleven, as well as one adult, were subsequently transported to hospital as a safety measure. Fortunately, all individuals were discharged following medical checks, according to a police spokesperson. Details regarding their symptoms have not yet been made public, pending further investigation. Police indicated, however, that the focus of enquiries is on sweets believed to have contained sedative substances.
During the brief court hearing, Ruben – dressed in a grey sweatshirt – spoke only to confirm his personal details. He offered no indication regarding his intended pleas regarding the charges. The chair of magistrates, Elizabeth Needham, informed him that the case would proceed to Leicester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing scheduled for 29 August. In the meantime, Ruben has been remanded in custody.
Additional information emerged regarding the circumstances of Ruben’s arrest. Authorities detained him on Monday evening at a local pub, on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious substance with the intent to injure, aggrieve, or cause distress. He was taken into custody for questioning related to the incident at the summer camp.
Leicestershire Police sought to reassure the public by emphasising that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are separate from those who hire or use the venue, and are not believed to be connected to the investigation. Stathern Lodge itself is described as a converted farmhouse, equipped with a sports hall and catering facilities. It is a popular location for children’s events and holiday programmes.
The case is now being managed by the major incident team of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations. The situation has also prompted Leicestershire Police to refer themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This self-referral follows uncertainty over the timeline of officers’ response, initially stated to have occurred on Monday before later being corrected to Sunday. The exact timeframe remains under scrutiny, with the IOPC expected to consider whether any issues arose regarding how the incident was reported or handled.
Meanwhile, local residents recalled seeing visibly upset parents outside the village hall in Plungar on Monday, which had been set up as a triage location for those affected. The distress within the community is palpable, and the case has raised significant concern among parents and carers in the area.
As the legal process moves forward, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The welfare and safety of children remains a key priority for Leicestershire Police and partner agencies as the investigation continues to unfold. The outcome of the upcoming Crown Court appearance is likely to be closely watched, both locally and beyond, as further facts come to light regarding the circumstances surrounding this troubling event.