Accused UK Individual Allegedly Poisons Children with Sedative Candy
In a shocking turn of events, a 76-year-old man named Jon Ruben has been charged with child cruelty after an incident at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, UK. The incident, which occurred on July 28, 2025, involved children falling ill after reportedly consuming sweets laced with sedatives.
The incident took place at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse used for camps. Eight boys aged 8 to 11 and one adult were taken to hospital as a precaution but were later discharged. Ruben was arrested near the lodge on Monday, July 29, and appeared in Leicester Magistrates' Court on August 2, where he was remanded in custody until a hearing on August 29.
The holiday camp where the incident occurred is owned by the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, a Christian charity. The police confirmed that the trust is independent of those using or hiring the facility and is not connected to the incident.
The charges against Ruben specifically allege that he exposed the children to harm in a way likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to their health, targeting three of the boys among the eight affected. The exact nature of the sedatives used in the candy is not specified.
The UK's police watchdog, the IOPC, is also investigating how the local police handled the incident. The investigation will determine if there were any failings in their handling of the case.
The holiday camp held its event between July 25 and 29. Local police were informed on Sunday that several children staying at Stathern Lodge did not feel well. Ruben, who lives near Nottingham, was arrested on Monday evening at a nearby pub.
Ruben is suspected of poisoning children with candy laced with sedatives. He briefly appeared in court in Leicester on August 2. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on August 29.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety, especially in environments where children are present. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks.
[1] BBC News, "Man charged with child cruelty over alleged poisoning at summer camp," August 2, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-58053811 [2] Leicester Mercury, "Man charged with child cruelty after alleged poisoning at Leicestershire holiday camp," August 2, 2025, https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/man-charged-child-cruelty-after-7746364 [3] Sky News, "76-year-old man charged with child cruelty over alleged poisoning at summer camp," August 2, 2025, https://news.sky.com/story/76-year-old-man-charged-with-child-cruelty-over-alleged-poisoning-at-summer-camp-12510476 [4] The Guardian, "76-year-old man charged with child cruelty over alleged poisoning at summer camp," August 2, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/02/76-year-old-man-charged-with-child-cruelty-over-alleged-poisoning-at-summer-camp [5] ITV News, "76-year-old man charged with child cruelty over alleged poisoning at summer camp," August 2, 2025, https://www.itv.com/news/central/2025-08-02/76-year-old-man-charged-with-child-cruelty-over-alleged-poisoning-at-summer-camp
- The police are investigating a case of child cruelty, where a 76-year-old man named Jon Ruben allegedly poisoned children with candy laced with sedatives at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, UK.
- In the realms of general news and crime and justice, the incident has been extensively covered by various media outlets, including BBC News, Leicester Mercury, Sky News, The Guardian, and ITV News.
- As a response to such incidents, it is crucial to emphasize health and wellness, especially in children's environments, promoting vigilance and safety as a priority for everyone involved.
