A man has pleaded guilty to administering a poison or noxious substance with intent following a hearing at Leicester Crown Court.
Jon Ruben, 76, today (February 4) admitted the offence, which relates to an adult victim in July 2025. The plea brings the total number of offences he has admitted to 18.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Ruben had previously pleaded guilty to 17 offences, including eight counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child involving eight separate victims. He also admitted one count of acquiring or possessing dutiable goods by fraudulent intent, three counts of possession of a class C drug, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of assault by penetration of a boy under 13, and one count of sexual assault of a boy under 13.
At a hearing in December, prosecutors accepted a not guilty plea Ruben had entered to a second charge of assault by penetration of a boy under 13. That decision followed consultation with the victim’s family and the investigation team.
Ruben, of Wayte Court, Landmere Lane, Ruddington, Nottingham, has been remanded into custody. He is due to be sentenced for all 18 offences at Leicester Crown Court on Friday (6 February).
The offences came to light following a police investigation into a summer camp run by Ruben at Stathern Lodge, near Melton, in July. Police were called after concerns were raised that a number of children had become unwell while attending the camp.
Eight boys aged between eight and 11 were taken to hospital as a precaution, along with an adult. All were later discharged. Ruben was arrested at a nearby pub where he was found with some of the children.
Searches at the lodge uncovered syringes and sedatives. Toxicology tests later confirmed a sedative was present in both sweets provided to the children and in their systems. Investigators found incision marks on the sweets, which had been used during what Ruben described as a “sweet game”.
Further enquiries by the Major Crime Team uncovered evidence of sexual offences against two boys under the age of 13, as well as indecent images and videos of children found on Ruben’s devices. More than 50 category A indecent videos were identified, along with further category A, B and C material.
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden described the investigation as “horrific, complex and emotional”, adding that the focus remains on supporting and safeguarding the victims.
Police say the public portal remains open for anyone with information or concerns related to the investigation. Reports can also be made online or by calling 101.
