What was meant to be a fun and enriching summer camp experience for a group of young boys has taken a deeply troubling turn.
A quiet village in Leicestershire is now the center of a serious criminal case involving allegations of child cruelty, raising concern among parents, neighbors, and the wider community.
Children Allegedly Given Drugged Sweets
According to details shared in court, several boys attending a children’s holiday camp were allegedly given sweets that had been laced with sedatives.
The incident reportedly happened between July 25 and July 29 during a camp held at Stathern Lodge—a converted farmhouse that serves as a venue for group events, complete with a sports hall and kitchen facilities.
The allegations came to light when authorities received a report that a number of children had fallen ill while attending the camp.
As a precaution, eight boys between the ages of 8 and 11, along with one adult, were taken to hospital.
Thankfully, all have since been discharged and are said to be recovering.
Court Appearance and Charges Against Camp Organizer
The man accused of responsibility, 76-year-old Jonathan Ruben, appeared briefly at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.
He faces three counts of wilful child ill-treatment connected to the alleged distribution of sedative-laced sweets to three boys.
During his court appearance, Ruben confirmed basic personal details but did not enter a plea.
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear next at Leicester Crown Court on August 29.
Arrest Made at a Local Pub
Ruben was taken into custody on Monday evening after being found at a nearby pub.
Police arrested him on suspicion of administering a harmful substance with the intent to harm or cause distress.
Investigators emphasized that the owners of Stathern Lodge are not linked to the incident, pointing out that the lodge was merely rented for the event.
Camp Organised by Nottingham-Based Charity
The summer camp in question was run by the Stathern Children’s Holiday Fund (SCHF), a Nottingham charity that organizes school holiday activities and subsidized trips for children from underprivileged backgrounds.
According to public records, Ruben—who had a career as a veterinary surgeon until his business was dissolved last year—is listed as one of the charity’s trustees.
Police Presence at Ruben’s Home Raises Eyebrows
Outside Ruben’s bungalow in the affluent village of Ruddington near Nottingham, police have maintained a constant presence since Monday.
While no forensic teams in full suits were seen, neighbors reported detectives frequently entering and exiting the property, often carrying evidence bags.
One local resident described the situation as surreal and said the police initially gave little away.
“They wouldn’t tell us much, but they did confirm there was no loss of life.
We only understood the gravity of it all a few days later,” the neighbor explained.
A Community in Shock
Those who know Ruben expressed disbelief, describing him and his wife as friendly, dedicated neighbors who regularly walked their dogs and were seen as kind-hearted individuals.
“It’s hard to wrap our heads around this. He’s done so much good through the charity.
We just hope there’s been some kind of misunderstanding,” said one long-time neighbor.
Legal Authorities Respond to the Case
Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the East Midlands division of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), confirmed that the case has progressed to formal charges after reviewing the evidence provided by Leicestershire Police.
She acknowledged the emotional toll this situation has had, especially on the families directly impacted.
McKinney emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of the legal process, reminding the public not to share information online that could compromise Mr. Ruben’s right to a fair trial.
What’s Next?
With a Crown Court appearance set for August 29, the case now moves into a more formal phase.
Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence, while the legal team prepares for proceedings.
Meanwhile, the community waits with a mix of concern and disbelief, hoping for clarity in what has become one of the most unsettling events in the area in years.