What was supposed to be a joyful summer break for kids turned into a troubling police investigation—one that’s left a small community in shock.
After several children fell unexpectedly ill at a camp in Leicestershire, authorities have now charged a 76-year-old man with child cruelty.
And the details are raising serious questions.
A Trustee, a Camp, and a Sudden Arrest
Jonathan Ruben, a retired veterinary surgeon and trustee of a children’s holiday charity, was arrested earlier this week.
He’s now facing three charges of willfully mistreating children—specifically, three boys—during a summer camp run by the Stathern Children’s Holiday Fund, which provides low-cost holidays for underprivileged children from Nottingham.
The incident unfolded at Stathern Lodge, a facility owned by a Christian charity.
Eight children and one adult became unwell and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Thankfully, they’ve all since been discharged. But things escalated quickly once police got involved.
Arrested in a Village Pub Car Park
Ruben was reportedly arrested on Monday in the car park of the Anchor Inn in Plungar, just three miles from the camp.
As of Friday, police activity could still be seen outside his home in Ruddington, a quiet, upscale village on the edge of Nottingham.
Neighbours, stunned by the development, said officers had been at the bungalow “non-stop” since the start of the week.
Neighbours React with Shock and Confusion
Those who know the Rubens say this news is not just unexpected—it’s baffling.
One local resident said: “They’re such a lovely couple. He’s always walking his dogs.
We just can’t believe it.” While some expressed concern, others clung to the hope that it’s all been a big misunderstanding.
Another neighbour added: “We saw people taking bags from the house. No forensics in white suits, but definitely detectives.
When we asked what was going on, they wouldn’t tell us much—just that no one had died.”
Charges and Court Appearance Scheduled
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Friday that Jonathan Ruben would face three formal charges related to the alleged mistreatment of the boys. He’s set to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 2.
Janine McKinney from CPS East Midlands called it an “upsetting and shocking moment” for the community, urging the public to respect the legal process and avoid sharing speculation online that could impact the case.
A Delay That Sparked Questions
The investigation also brought scrutiny to Leicestershire Police’s initial handling of the situation.
Reports suggest that although concerns about the children were raised on Sunday, officers didn’t show up to the camp until Monday.
That delay has now triggered a formal inquiry.
Watchdog Launches Independent Review
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has stepped in to examine whether Leicestershire Police failed to act appropriately.
Their investigation will explore if there was a breach of professional standards—specifically whether the delay in response contributed to the situation escalating.
The IOPC stated: “We’ve received a conduct referral and reviewed the available evidence.
We’ve now opened an independent investigation into whether officers failed in their duties.”
Who Owns the Camp Site?
The site where the camp was held, Stathern Lodge, is owned by the Braithwaite Gospel Trust.
The Christian charity provides affordable accommodation to groups with educational, religious, or charitable goals.
Trustee Jonathan Jesson confirmed that the lodge had been rented by a Nottingham-based group.
He said: “The trust’s mission is to serve young people, as stated in the will of its founder, a Christian farmer from the 1970s.”
Poisoning Suspicion Still Under Review
Earlier in the week, police said Ruben had also been arrested on suspicion of administering a poison or noxious substance—with intent to harm, upset, or injure.
However, that specific charge has not yet been confirmed or brought forward.
Investigators are still exploring all possibilities.
Detective Inspector Neil Holden, who is leading the case, described it as “complex and sensitive,” adding that the East Midlands Special Operations Unit is handling it with dedicated resources.
What Happens Next?
With Ruben due in court this weekend and a separate watchdog investigation unfolding, this story is far from over.
For now, authorities are urging the public to be patient, avoid speculation, and allow due process to take its course.
For the families involved—and the tight-knit community in Nottingham—answers can’t come soon enough.