Summer Camp Leader Admits Drugging Wife to Facilitate Child Sex Assaults
A former summer camp leader in Leicestershire has admitted to a horrifying pattern of abuse, including drugging his own wife to prevent her from waking while he sexually assaulted children.
Guilty Plea Entered at Leicester Crown Court
Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old former veterinary professional, sobbed in the dock at Leicester Crown Court as he entered guilty pleas to multiple charges. The defendant, who operated a holiday camp for at least 27 years, wore a blue shirt and beige trousers during the emotional hearing.
Ruben admitted administering the sedative Temazapam to his wife, Susan Ruben, between July 26 and 29 last year. This calculated act was designed to ensure she remained unconscious while he carried out sexual assaults on children attending his summer camp.
Pattern of Abuse Involving Poisoned Sweets
The court heard disturbing details about Ruben's methods. He would lace sweets with tranquillising drugs, then initiate what he called "a sweet game" with young camp attendees. After the children consumed these poisoned treats, he would sexually assault them while they were incapacitated.
Medical evidence revealed that eight children were hospitalised in July last year after ingesting liquid Xanax. Several victims exhibited severe symptoms including difficulty walking, slurred speech, and an inability to wake up properly.
Multiple Charges and Previous Admissions
Ruben had previously admitted to sexually assaulting two boys at his Leicestershire summer camp and committing child cruelty against six other victims. In November, he pleaded guilty to additional charges including:
- Sexual assault of a child under 13
- Assault of a child under 13 by penetration
- Eight counts of child cruelty
- Three counts of making indecent images of children
- Four drugs charges
Sentencing Approaches for Former Camp Operator
The defendant is scheduled for sentencing this Friday, with Judge Timothy Spencer KC warning Ruben that it will be "a very tough day in your life." After entering his guilty plea, the 76-year-old expressed remorse, stating "I'm so sorry" to the court.
This case has revealed systematic abuse at what parents believed was a safe holiday environment for their children. The summer camp, which operated for decades in Leicestershire, has now become the centre of one of the region's most disturbing child protection cases in recent memory.
