A 76-year-old summer camp leader has admitted to a horrifying pattern of abuse that included drugging his own wife to prevent her from waking while he sexually assaulted children at his holiday camp in Leicestershire.
Guilty Plea Entered at Leicester Crown Court
Jon Ruben, a former veterinary professional who operated a summer camp for at least 27 years, sobbed in the dock at Leicester Crown Court as he entered guilty pleas to multiple charges on Wednesday. The defendant, who appeared wearing a blue shirt and beige trousers, told the court "I'm so sorry" after admitting his crimes.
Systematic Abuse of Children
The court heard how Ruben systematically abused children through what he called "a sweet game," where he laced sweets with tranquillising drugs before attacking his victims. Prosecutors detailed how eight children were taken to hospital in July last year after consuming liquid Xanax, with several experiencing severe symptoms including difficulty walking, slurred speech, and inability to wake up.
Ruben had previously pleaded guilty in November to sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children, and four drugs charges. The indecent image charges relate to 50 category A videos (the most serious classification of child abuse material) and 22 category B images, though none involve children from his summer camp.
Drugging His Wife to Conceal Crimes
In a particularly disturbing development, Ruben admitted administering the poison Temazapam to his wife Susan between 26 and 29 July last year specifically so she would remain unconscious while he assaulted children. Prosecutor Mary Prior KC told the court that Ruben had requested a voluntary police interview during which he confessed to drugging his wife.
The court heard that children would often feel unwell the morning after Ruben's "sweet game," but the camp leader would dismiss their symptoms, telling them they were simply "overwrought." This pattern of behaviour continued until his arrest following the hospitalisation of eight children.
Stepson's Discovery and Concerns
Further evidence emerged during previous hearings that Ruben's stepson had raised concerns after discovering suspicious items in the defendant's belongings, including baby oil, syringes containing white powder, and other concerning materials. This discovery contributed to the investigation that ultimately led to Ruben's arrest and prosecution.
Sentencing Approaches
Jon Ruben, who resides in Nottinghamshire, is scheduled to be sentenced for all offences on Friday. Leicester Crown Court Judge Timothy Spencer KC warned the defendant that his sentencing would represent "a very tough day in your life," indicating the severity of the crimes and the likely substantial prison term he faces.
The case has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about safeguarding procedures at holiday camps and similar establishments. Ruben's ability to operate his camp for nearly three decades without detection highlights concerns about how such predators can evade scrutiny while maintaining positions of trust with children and their families.
