Monster Grandad Jailed for 31 Years After Drugging Kids at Summer Camp
A 76-year-old man who poisoned sweets with sedatives and handed them to children at a summer camp has been locked away for over 31 years. Jon Ruben, from Ruddington, Nottingham, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court after his depraved crimes came to light.
Grotesque Summer Camp Horror
Ruben didn’t just drug kids — he also admitted to sexual offences against two boys under 13, plus possession of horrendous indecent images. None of these offences involved camp children, but paint a chilling picture of his depravity.
Earlier this week, he confessed to poisoning an adult victim at the campsite so he could abuse them while unconscious.
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden called the case “horrific, complex and emotional.”
Families of the young victims spoke out after sentencing, revealing their “shock, anxiety, distress, self-doubt and guilt” — but laid the blame squarely on Ruben.
Police Hunt for More Victims
The nightmare began last July when emergency crews rushed to Stathern Lodge summer camp near Melton. Eight boys aged between 8 and 11 were rushed to hospital, suffering drowsiness, sickness, and other grave symptoms.
Ruben was arrested at a nearby pub, found in the company of some of the children. Police discovered syringes, sweets with incision marks, and sedatives both at the camp and at his home.
Investigators uncovered a twisted “sweet game” where Ruben handed out sedative-laced treats while promising chocolate prizes.
Digital Trail and a Long List of Charges
Police seized Ruben’s devices, finding over 50 category A indecent videos — the most serious kind — alongside other disturbing images. The investigation confirmed he sexually assaulted two boys under 13.
Ruben faced 13 charges including:
- Eight counts of wilful ill-treatment of children
- Possession of class C drugs
- Making indecent photographs of a child
- Sexual assault and assault by penetration of boys under 13
- Fraudulent possession of dutiable goods
He pleaded guilty last November and admitted poisoning an adult victim this February.
Police are working with Nottinghamshire authorities, contacting schools and youth groups to uncover any more victims tied to Ruben’s charity work spanning two decades.
“Our focus remains on the victims and their families who have shown immense bravery as they have found out the truth about what happened,” said T/DCI Holden.
