A 76-year-old man from Rudington, Nottinghamshire is facing trial after being accused of giving sedative-laced sweets to children at a summer camp. The alleged incident occurred last month at Stathorn Lodge in Leicestershire, leaving three boys ill and prompting a police investigation.
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What Happened: Allegations at Stathorn Lodge
John Ruben is accused of child cruelty after three boys, aged 8 to 11, fell ill at a summer camp between July 25 and July 29, 2025. Ruben allegedly gave the children sweets containing sedatives. The children were rushed to the hospital as a precaution along with an adult supervisor and were later discharged. Ruben was arrested shortly afterward on suspicion of poisoning or administering a noxious substance to harm or offend.
Who Is John Ruben
John Ruben, a 76-year-old resident of Wet Court, Rudington, Nottinghamshire, appeared at Leicester Crown Court for a brief 16-minute hearing. He confirmed his identity but did not enter a plea. Ruben is currently in custody ahead of his trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2026, with an expected duration of four weeks.
Background and Timeline
The alleged incident occurred at Stathorn Lodge summer camp, where Ruben reportedly offered sweets to children during the program. The incident was reported to police on July 27, 2025, after three children became unwell. Initially, reports mentioned eight children and an adult were hospitalized, but all were later discharged safely. Ruben was arrested the following day in a pub car park nearby.
Authorities initially reported the date of the incident incorrectly as July 28 but later corrected it to July 27.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The incident has caused significant concern and shock both locally and beyond. Parents and community members expressed distress outside the village hall in Plogger, which served as a triage center for the affected children. The allegations have led to heightened tension between parents, residents, and the local authorities, with widespread discussions on social media about child safety at summer camps.
Official Statement and Next Steps
Leicestershire Police have referred the matter to an independent office for police conduct due to public concern and initial misinformation. John Ruben’s trial is set to begin January 27, 2026, lasting approximately four weeks. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure justice and public safety.
Conclusion
The case of John Ruben has raised serious concerns about child safety at summer programs and the responsibility of adults in care settings. The community remains attentive as the legal process proceeds, and the trial will determine accountability in this troubling incident.