Quick Read
- Jon Ruben, 76, pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually abusing children at a summer camp in Leicestershire.
- Eight boys and one adult were hospitalized after consuming sweets laced with sedatives.
- Ruben admitted 17 offences, including child cruelty and making indecent images of children.
- Police response to initial concerns was delayed, prompting an investigation by the IOPC.
- Ruben operated the camp for 27 years, targeting socially deprived children.
Long History of Abuse at Stathern Lodge Unveiled
Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old former teacher and church leader from Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, has pleaded guilty to a string of offences after drugging and sexually abusing children at a summer camp in Leicestershire. The revelations came to light after eight boys and one adult were hospitalized in July 2025 at Stathern Lodge, near Melton, following a disturbing incident that exposed a pattern of abuse spanning nearly three decades.
Ruben, who ran the holiday camp for underprivileged children for 27 years, admitted to sexually assaulting two boys under the age of 13, assault by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children, and four drug-related charges, according to The Guardian and BBC News. He denied one additional sexual offence, leaving prosecutors two weeks to decide whether to pursue that charge further.
The ‘Sweet Game’: A Sinister Ritual
Central to the case was what Ruben called the ‘sweet game’. Prosecutor Mary Prior KC told Leicester Crown Court that Ruben would enter boys’ bedrooms at night, distributing sweets injected with sedatives. The children were instructed to chew and swallow the sweets quickly, often resulting in slurred speech, vomiting, and, in some cases, unconsciousness. The purpose of drugging the children, Prior explained, was to ensure that only those Ruben selected would remain awake for his abuse, while others would be incapacitated.
Over the years, children at the camp frequently reported feeling ill the following morning. Ruben routinely dismissed their symptoms as being ‘overwrought’ from excitement, a narrative that masked the true nature of their distress. The routine was so established that it only came under scrutiny after Ruben’s stepson discovered suspicious items—baby oil, syringes containing white powder, and other paraphernalia—in Ruben’s belongings. This discovery prompted renewed calls to the police in July 2025.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Leicestershire Police’s handling of the incident has come under significant scrutiny. Although concerns were raised as early as Friday, July 25, officers only responded after a third call on Sunday, July 27—by which time several children had become seriously ill. According to Sky News, the force initially stated that the incident occurred on Monday, July 28, but later amended this to Sunday, July 27, and referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for review.
At Stathern Lodge, police found drugs, vaseline, baby oil, sex toys, and syringes. Three unused sweets injected with tranquilizers were also recovered. Devices belonging to Ruben were analyzed, revealing fifty category A indecent videos—the most serious classification—according to evidence presented in court.
Impact on Victims and Community Response
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden described the investigation as ‘horrific, complex, and emotional,’ emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims and the lasting impact of Ruben’s crimes. ‘Our focus today must of course remain on the young victims,’ Holden said, noting that dedicated family liaison officers and partner agencies continue to support the children’s welfare and ensure their safeguarding going forward.
The rented premises of Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse with sports and catering facilities, were not directly connected to the camp’s management, according to police statements. Ruben operated independently, selecting children from youth clubs, evening classes, and Sunday schools—often those from socially deprived backgrounds.
Ruben remains in custody pending sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, scheduled for November 28. The court proceedings have prompted renewed calls for accountability and better oversight of organizations serving vulnerable youth, with many questioning how such abuse could persist for so long without detection.
Systemic Failures and Accountability
As the case continues to unfold, questions linger about the effectiveness of safeguarding procedures and the responsibilities of those overseeing children’s welfare. While the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge have been cleared of involvement, the revelations have sparked broader discussions about how institutions and individuals in positions of trust can exploit systemic weaknesses to perpetrate harm.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s investigation into Leicestershire Police’s response may offer answers about missed opportunities and the need for improved reporting and intervention protocols. Meanwhile, the victims and their families face a long road to recovery, supported by dedicated services but indelibly marked by the trauma of Ruben’s actions.
The facts of this case reveal not only the devastating consequences of individual abuse but also the urgent need for vigilance and reform in safeguarding vulnerable children—reminding us that trust, once betrayed, demands both justice and lasting change.