Police face gross misconduct investigation over delayed response to child abuse at Stathern Lodge summer camp in Leicestershire

Police officers from two forces are now facing gross misconduct investigations after serious concerns were raised about how they handled reports of abuse at a summer camp in Leicestershire.

The probe comes after retired veterinarian Jon Ruben was sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison for sexually abusing children and drugging them at Stathern Lodge, a camp he ran for decades.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is looking into whether officers and staff failed to act promptly when warnings about Ruben’s activities first emerged.

Nottinghamshire Police initially received a call in July last year about possible dangers to children at the camp.

That information was passed on to Leicestershire Police, but the watchdog’s investigation suggests there may have been delays in assessing and acting on the risks.

Delay in Response Raises Questions

According to the IOPC, eight children and one adult became unwell at the camp, yet Leicestershire Police did not arrive to investigate and arrest Ruben until the following day at 4 p.m.

The watchdog’s focus is on the critical hours between the initial report and police attendance.

Questions have been raised about whether officers and staff reviewed information correctly, risk-assessed it appropriately, or acted in a timely manner.

Two Leicestershire officers and three staff members are under investigation for allegedly failing to progress safeguarding concerns promptly.

Meanwhile, two Nottinghamshire Police staff members are being investigated over the grading of the initial call and how it was managed.

Leicestershire Police referred its handling of the case to the IOPC, and the Nottinghamshire force came under review later in the year.

Horrific Details of the Crimes

Ruben, 76, exploited his position as a camp leader and his knowledge as a veterinarian to carry out his crimes.

He sourced sedatives from the dark web and laced sweets, forcing children to eat them in what he called a “sweet game.”

He also drugged his wife to prevent her from waking while the abuse took place.

Court records revealed Ruben meticulously calculated doses of the sedative based on veterinary research and then crushed and injected the drugs into sticky candies.

Witnesses described children behaving as if intoxicated, stumbling, feeling sick, and sleeping unusually heavily the next morning.

His stepson discovered a bag with items intended to aid the abuse and reported this to police, but it took repeated contacts before authorities acted.

Guilty Pleas and Sentencing

Ruben pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault of children under 13, child cruelty, making indecent images of children, and drug offenses.

The court heard that he had exploited his role in the community, including involvement in the church, after-school clubs, and as a trusted summer camp leader, to gain access to vulnerable children.

Leicester Crown Court sentenced Ruben to 23 years and 10 months, with an additional eight years on extended licence.

The judge highlighted the “careful, cynical, chilling preparation” Ruben used to commit these offenses and the betrayal of trust he inflicted on families and the community.

Impact on Families and Community

The hearing brought intense emotional responses from parents and victims.

Some sobbed in court, others expressed outrage directly to Ruben.

His wife, Susan, who had been involved in running the camp for decades, shared her own trauma, revealing she was drugged by Ruben and now seeks divorce.

The community has been left in shock, grappling with the scale and planning involved in the abuse.

What’s Next?

The IOPC investigations are ongoing.

Authorities are examining internal policies, how information was shared between forces, and whether proper safeguarding procedures were followed.

Families affected by the abuse have been updated, and the wider public is awaiting clarity on whether systemic failures contributed to delays in police action.

Both Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Police are under intense scrutiny, and the outcome could lead to disciplinary actions or reforms in handling child protection alerts.

Summary

Jon Ruben’s abuse at Stathern Lodge represents a chilling betrayal of trust, exploiting decades of community respect and access to children.

Investigations into police misconduct highlight potential failings in safeguarding procedures, particularly in the crucial hours following initial reports.

The case has left a lasting impact on victims, families, and the wider community, while the IOPC continues its review to ensure lessons are learned and accountability is enforced.