Jon Ruben, a former camp leader who sexually assaulted boys after drugging them with tranquilizer-laced sweets, plans to appeal his prison sentence. Ruben was sentenced in February to 23 years and 10 months. His offending came to light in July 2025 when several children fell ill at a camp he was operating in Stathern, Leicestershire.
Leicester Crown Court heard that Ruben, a 77-year-old who had previously worked as a vet, teacher, and church worker, exploited his position to target vulnerable children. He is scheduled to appear at the Court of Appeal on October 23.
Ruben, who resided in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, was apprehended after eight children and one adult became unwell at Stathern Lodge. The court was informed that Ruben, who had been running children's holiday camps for at least 27 years, engaged in a "sweet game." This involved him entering boys' rooms as they prepared for bed and instructing them to consume drug-laced sweets rapidly. Some boys subsequently fell ill, exhibiting symptoms such as disorientation the following morning. The police were alerted to the camp by Ruben's stepson, who had discovered baby oil, Vaseline, and syringes. Ruben was subsequently detained and charged.