Man, 76, Remanded After Children Fall Ill at Leicestershire Summer Camp
Leicestershire, UK – August 2, 2025: A 76-year-old man has been remanded in custody after several children became ill at a summer camp at Stathern Lodge, near Melton Mowbray.
🚨 Incident and Arrest
Leicestershire Police responded to reports on Sunday about children falling unwell at a camp hosted at Stathern Lodge, a facility owned by the Braithwaite Gospel Trust. Eight boys aged between 8 and 11, plus one adult, were taken to hospital as a precaution, all later discharged. The suspect, identified as Jon Ruben of Ruddington, was arrested on Monday evening at a nearby pub and later charged with three counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
🔍 Legal Proceedings
Ruben appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where he confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. Magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of an appearance at Leicester Crown Court scheduled for August 29. He has made no plea so far, and legal proceedings continue. The charges relate to alleged sedative-laced sweets distributed between July 25 and July 29.
🏥 Community Impact & Safeguarding Concerns
During the incident, emergency triage was set up in Plungar village hall, described by residents as chaotic, with children in distress and parents waiting anxiously to see their children. Local MP Edward Argar called the events “deeply concerning” while urging the public to refrain from speculation as an active criminal case unfolds.
⚖️ Accountability for Police Response
Leicestershire Police referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after amending the reported incident date and raising concerns over response delay. The IOPC will investigate possible procedural failures, following complaints that police only acted a day after the initial report.
📌 Legal Context & Potential Penalties
Ruben faces a maximum sentence of up to 14 years under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, for offences including wilful neglect or ill-treatment likely to cause unnecessary suffering. Prosecutors emphasised the seriousness of the charges and the need for due process during active criminal proceedings.
📌 Knowledge Box: What You Should Know
- Eight children aged 8–11 and one adult were hospitalised as a precaution; all were later discharged.
- Official charges: three counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child via administration of a noxious substance.
- IOPC is reviewing Leicestershire Police’s handling of the incident.
- CPS has emphasised the suspect’s right to a fair trial amid public concern.
🔮 What Happens Next?
- Ruben will next appear before Leicester Crown Court on August 29.
- The IOPC investigation may provide insight into policing delays and protocol failures.
- Local safeguarding measures will be under scrutiny as the community demands transparency and accountability.
By Fidelis News
📰 Fidelis is free to read, but not free to produce.
☕ If this coverage matters, support us here:
👉 BuyMeACoffee.com/fidelisnews
