The quiet village of Stathern, nestled in the Leicestershire countryside, has found itself at the center of a troubling legal case following an incident at a local summer camp that left eight children and one adult hospitalized. The accused, 76-year-old John Ruben—also referred to as Jon Ruben in court documents—now faces multiple charges related to alleged child cruelty and poisoning, with a trial set for early next year at Leicester Crown Court.
According to reports from BBC and the Press Association, the incident unfolded at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse with sports and catering facilities located on Canal Lane, Stathern, near Melton Mowbray. Between July 25 and July 29, 2025, the summer camp was in full swing, offering activities for children during the school holidays. But the camp’s tranquil atmosphere was shattered when, on Sunday, July 27, a number of boys, all aged between eight and eleven, suddenly became unwell. Leicestershire Police were called to the scene after receiving reports of the children’s deteriorating health.
Emergency services responded swiftly. In total, eight boys and one adult were taken to hospital as a precaution. Thankfully, all nine were later discharged, but the circumstances behind their sudden illness quickly became the subject of a criminal investigation. Police alleged that the children had consumed sweets that were laced with sedatives, sparking concerns and outrage among parents and the wider community.
John Ruben, a resident of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, was arrested soon after the incident. According to court records cited by BBC, Ruben was apprehended in a nearby pub car park on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious thing with intent to injure, aggrieve, or annoy. The following day, he appeared before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on August 1, 2025, and was remanded in custody, where he has remained since.
Ruben’s first appearance at Leicester Crown Court took place on Friday, August 29, 2025. Wearing dark grey trousers and a loose grey top, he spoke only to confirm his name and acknowledge the judge’s questions. The hearing, which lasted just sixteen minutes, saw Ruben formally charged with three counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child. These charges related specifically to three boys at the summer camp, though prosecutors made clear that more charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continued.
Prosecutor Mary Prior KC told the court, “There will be a further arrest and further charges that will tie up with this indictment.” Her comments suggested the Crown Prosecution Service was still gathering evidence and that the scope of the case could expand before the trial begins. The judge, Timothy Spencer KC, responded by setting a trial date for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, estimating the proceedings would last four weeks. “I’m going to fix this case for a trial with a four-week time estimate for Tuesday, January 27. That will be before me,” Judge Spencer stated, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
During the hearing, Ruben was not asked to enter any pleas. That decision was deferred, with a further plea hearing scheduled for November 14, 2025. It is then that Ruben is expected to formally respond to the charges against him. The legal process has been marked by caution and thoroughness, with all parties seemingly aware of the gravity of the accusations.
The charges themselves are severe. At a previous court hearing, Ruben was told he is accused of “wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning or exposing children in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to health” over the course of the camp, specifically between July 25 and July 29. These are not minor allegations; they strike at the heart of child safety and trust in institutions tasked with caring for young people.
As the legal case has unfolded, Leicestershire Police have faced scrutiny over their handling of the initial response. The force initially stated that the incident occurred on Monday, July 28, before later amending the date to Sunday, July 27. This discrepancy has led to questions about the timeline of events and whether there was any delay in responding to the children’s illness. In response, Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), an unusual but not unprecedented move that signals a willingness to be transparent and accountable in the face of public concern.
The police have also stressed that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are not connected to the incident. The lodge itself, described as a converted farmhouse with a sports hall and catering facilities, has been a fixture in the local community, hosting numerous events and camps over the years. Its reputation, however, has now been overshadowed by the ongoing investigation and the serious nature of the allegations.
The case has understandably rattled parents and guardians, many of whom entrust their children to summer camps like the one at Stathern Lodge. The idea that sweets—often a symbol of childhood innocence and reward—could be weaponized with sedatives is deeply unsettling. While all those hospitalized were discharged without lasting harm, the psychological impact lingers for families and the wider community.
During the August 29 court session, Judge Spencer addressed Ruben directly, remarking, “It must have been obvious to you weeks ago that you’re in a very serious situation, Mr Ruben. You face extremely serious charges. It sounds like you will be facing more charges.” The judge’s words captured the gravity of the moment, as the court prepared for what is likely to be a closely watched trial.
The legal process is set to continue with a further hearing in November, at which point Ruben is expected to enter pleas to the current and any additional charges. Until then, he remains in custody, with the court confirming that the trial will proceed within the custody time limits, allowing Ruben to be held until at least January 30, 2026.
For now, the village of Stathern and the families affected are left waiting for answers. The forthcoming trial promises to shed light on what happened at the summer camp and determine whether the allegations against John Ruben will stand up in court. As the legal wheels turn, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to those who care for children—and the consequences when that trust is called into question.
