Retired Vet Receives 31-Year Sentence for Predatory Abuse at Christian Summer Camp
A former veterinary surgeon who exploited his position as a Christian camp leader to drug and sexually assault young boys has been handed a substantial prison term of 23 years and 10 months, with an extended licence period bringing the total sentence to 31 years and eight months. Jon Ruben, aged 76 from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, systematically preyed on vulnerable children while masquerading as a devout church volunteer, using what the prosecution described as his "cloak of Christianity" to conceal his horrific crimes.
Chilling Modus Operandi Involving Drugged Sweets
The court heard how Ruben meticulously planned his assaults, lacing sweets with powerful tranquilising drugs during what he deceitfully called "a sweet game" at Stathern Lodge summer camp in Leicestershire. Prosecutor Mary Prior KC detailed how over the weekend of 26th to 28th July 2025, Ruben deliberately sedated boys to ensure they were heavily asleep, enabling him to undress and select victims for sexual abuse. In a further disturbing twist, he also administered sedatives to his wife's tea to prevent her noticing his nocturnal absences during the camp.
Extensive Criminal Charges and Investigation
Ruben previously pleaded guilty to multiple serious offences including:
- 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
- Four drugs charges
Leicestershire Police confirmed their investigation continues into Ruben's involvement with children spanning more than two decades, with officers making contact with schools, agencies and organisations he was associated with to identify any further victims.
Dark Web Drug Procurement and Additional Evidence
The prosecution revealed Ruben used the dark web to purchase what he believed was temazepam to sedate his victims, though toxicology tests showed one victim had ingested liquid Xanax. Further evidence presented in court indicated Ruben took Viagra to facilitate his offending, demonstrating calculated premeditation. His arrest followed an incident last July when eight children and one adult fell ill at the camp, triggering the investigation that uncovered his predatory behaviour.
Community Betrayal and Victim Impact
In emotional victim impact statements read outside Leicester Crown Court, families described how Ruben had portrayed himself as "a good Christian man" whom they trusted with their children's care. They expressed profound anger and horror, stating he had stolen their children's right to safety and childhood innocence. Ruben's own wife, Susan Ruben, told the court she felt "completely betrayed," describing how her husband had spent decades cultivating an image as a righteous, honourable man while secretly being "a sadistic, monstrous paedophile."
Institutional Response and Ongoing Safeguarding
Paul Williams, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, expressed being "profoundly shocked" by the case, acknowledging the particular horror when abuse occurs in settings that should provide safety and nurturing. Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the East Midlands, emphasised how Ruben had used his respected positions within faith communities to gain access to children, revealing a "relentless predator" beneath a respectable veneer. Temporary DCI Neil Holden from Leicestershire Police stressed their commitment to providing support to affected individuals while continuing to investigate Ruben's extensive background and contacts.
Judge Timothy Spencer, during sentencing, characterised the case as Ruben achieving sexual gratification through "careful, cynical, chilling preparation and manipulation" focused on young boys. The extended licence period reflects the court's assessment of ongoing risk, ensuring continued supervision upon any future release.
