Registered Vet Charged With Child Cruelty After Suspected Poisoning at Leicestershire Summer Camp
Overview
A 76-year-old man, who is a registered veterinary surgeon, has been charged with child cruelty offences after eight children and one adult were hospitalised following a suspected poisoning incident at a summer camp in Stathern Lodge, Leicestershire.
Jonathon Ruben, of Landmere Lane, Ruddington, Nottingham, was arrested following the incident on Sunday and has now been charged with three counts of wilful ill treatment of a child, relating to three separate boys.
Ruben, who holds qualifications as a registered vet, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 1 August.
The affected children — boys aged between 8 and 11 — were attending a holiday camp run by Christian charity Braithwaite Gospel Trust. They fell ill during the event, prompting a major emergency response involving ambulance crews, police, and an air ambulance on Monday.
All eight children and one adult were taken to hospital as a precaution and were later discharged.
CPS Statement:
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.”
The Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after acknowledging that officers received a report about the children falling ill on Sunday but did not attend the camp until Monday.
The IOPC confirmed on Tuesday, 29 July, that a conduct referral had been received and that an investigation is underway.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Witnesses described scenes of chaos at the camp, with “distressed children in tears” and parents pleading with officers for access to their children. A nearby resident said:
“It was pretty chaotic, with emergency workers running around everywhere. It’s like every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Police continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are reminding the public that active criminal proceedings are underway and to avoid speculation or commentary that could prejudice the case.
