Summer Camp Leader Sentenced to Over 23 Years for Vile Abuse of Children
In a harrowing case that has shocked the nation, a summer camp leader has been handed a prison sentence exceeding 23 years for drugging and sexually assaulting children under his care. Jon Ruben, aged 76, operated a holiday camp for at least 27 years, where he used his position of trust to commit horrific crimes against vulnerable youngsters.
Decades of Deception Uncovered
Leicester Crown Court heard how Ruben, who ran Stathern Lodge in Leicestershire, was arrested last year after several children were hospitalised. Investigations revealed he had used liquid Xanax, a powerful tranquiliser, on some of his victims. The court proceedings laid bare a pattern of calculated abuse, with Ruben admitting to multiple charges including sexual assault of a child under 13, assault by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children, and four drugs offences.
During sentencing on Friday, Ruben's wife Susan delivered a devastating victim impact statement, describing her husband as "a sadistic, monstrous, paedophile" who had spent decades cultivating a false image of respectability. She expressed feeling "terribly guilty" about his actions, while Ruben himself broke down in the dock, shouting "no" and crying as the prosecution outlined the case against him.
Methodical Predation Revealed
The prosecution detailed how Ruben systematically planned his attacks, using his veterinary background to illegally obtain sedatives. He carefully researched dosage requirements before crushing and injecting drugs into specially selected sweets - choosing particularly sticky varieties to conceal the tampering. Prosecutor Mary Prior KC told the court Ruben had "used his cloak of Christianity and his position of authority and trust" to poison boys as young as eight before sexually abusing them.
Several children became ill after participating in what Ruben called a "sweet game," experiencing symptoms including difficulty walking, slurred speech, and inability to wake up. The abuse came to light when Ruben's stepson raised concerns after discovering suspicious items including baby oil and syringes containing white powder at the camp.
Devastating Impact on Victims
Victim impact statements revealed the profound trauma inflicted on the children and their families. One mother described how her son "shut down and started self-harming" following the abuse, while another called Ruben a "devious sexual predator." A father told the court his family had trusted the Christian camp would be safe, only to feel "betrayed" by the man his son had admired and respected.
Another parent described the horror of seeing his drugged son in hospital, saying the child "looked like a zombie." Addressing Ruben directly, a mother called him a "disgusting, vile man" who had "ruined the lives of these children" and expressed her wish that he would "suffer every day."
Ongoing Investigation
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden of Leicestershire Police described Ruben as a "vile, horrific offender" who attempted to blame others for his crimes. The force confirmed they continue to investigate Ruben for any additional offences and have appealed for other potential victims or witnesses to come forward.
Police emphasised that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are independent from those who hire the facility and were "not connected to the incident." They also clarified that none of the indecent images found relate to children who attended the summer camp.
The case has raised serious questions about safeguarding at residential camps and the mechanisms for detecting predators who exploit positions of trust within community organisations.
