Registered Vet Charged with Child Cruelty After Suspected Poisoning in Leicester
A registered vet, Jonathon Ruben, has been charged with wilful ill treatment of a child following a suspected poisoning incident at a camp in Leicester. Three children and one adult were taken to hospital as a precaution but have since been discharged.
CPS Hits Out: “Extremely Shocking Moment”
Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said:
“This has been an extremely upsetting and shocking moment for the community, and especially for the children and parents most directly affected.
Jonathon Ruben will be charged with three offences of wilful ill treatment of a child. This decision has been made after reviewing a file of evidence from Leicestershire Police.”
Police Come Under Fire Over Delayed Response
The Leicestershire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after admitting officers were called on Sunday about the children falling ill but didn’t attend the camp until Monday.
The IOPC confirmed on 29 July that it has received a conduct referral and an investigation is now underway.
Eyewitnesses Describe “Chaos” and “Every Parent’s Worst Nightmare”
Witnesses at the camp described harrowing scenes with “distressed children in tears” and parents pleading with officers for access to their children. One local resident said:
“It was pretty chaotic, with emergency workers everywhere. It’s like every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Investigation Ongoing — Public Urged to Avoid Speculation
Police continue to probe the full circumstances surrounding the poisoning. Authorities remind the public that active criminal proceedings are ongoing and urge everyone to avoid speculation or commentary that could prejudice the case.
