On a quiet summer day in Leicestershire, a disturbing incident unfolded at Stathern Lodge, a summer camp run by the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, a Christian charity dedicated to providing holiday clubs for children. A 76-year-old pensioner, Jon Ruben, the secretary of the charity, has been charged with serious offenses related to allegedly distributing sedative-laced sweets to children attending the camp. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the local community, raising questions about child safety, oversight at charitable organizations, and the response of law enforcement. This article explores the details of the case, the events leading up to it, the impact on the victims and their families, and the broader implications for summer camps and child welfare.
The Incident: A Summer Camp Turned Nightmare
Stathern Lodge, nestled in the picturesque Leicestershire countryside, has long been a haven for children seeking fun, friendship, and adventure during the summer holidays. Operated by the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, the camp offers a range of activities designed to foster personal growth and community spirit, underpinned by Christian values. For many families, it represents a trusted environment where children can enjoy supervised activities in a safe setting. However, between July 25 and July 29, 2025, this sense of security was shattered when reports emerged of children falling ill after consuming sweets allegedly provided by Jon Ruben.
The allegations against Ruben are grave. He faces three counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health. According to court documents, the charges stem from sweets that were allegedly laced with sedatives, distributed to children at the camp. The precise nature of the sedatives and the method by which they were introduced into the sweets remain under investigation, but the consequences were immediate and alarming.
Eight boys, aged between eight and 11, along with one adult, were taken to hospital after exhibiting symptoms of illness. While the specific medical conditions of the victims have not been publicly disclosed, the fact that multiple children required hospitalization underscores the severity of the incident. The adult, whose identity and role at the camp have not been specified, was also affected, raising questions about the scope and intent of the alleged act.
The scene at Stathern Lodge was described as chaotic by a witness who spoke to local media. “It was pretty chaotic, with emergency workers running around everywhere,” the witness recounted. “I saw a few children in tears as they walked into the hall. It’s like every parent’s worst nightmare.” The emotional toll on the children was evident, as fear and confusion replaced the joy typically associated with summer camp activities. For parents, the unfolding events were a source of profound distress, compounded by the uncertainty surrounding their children’s condition and the delay in accessing them.
The Legal Proceedings: Jon Ruben’s Court Appearance
Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old pensioner and the secretary of the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, was arrested in a pub car park in the aftermath of the incident. The arrest, which took place in a public setting, added a layer of intrigue to an already shocking case, prompting speculation about the circumstances leading to his apprehension. Ruben was subsequently brought before Leicester Crown Court, where he faced the formal charges related to the sedative-laced sweets.
During his initial court appearance, Ruben was not required to enter a plea, a standard procedure in the early stages of such cases. The court set a provisional trial date for January 27, 2026, allowing time for the prosecution and defense to prepare their cases. Given the seriousness of the charges, Ruben was remanded into custody, meaning he will remain detained until at least his next hearing, scheduled for November 14, 2025. This decision reflects the court’s assessment of the potential risk posed by Ruben and the gravity of the allegations against him.
The charges themselves are rooted in legislation designed to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from harm. The accusation of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children suggests a deliberate act that endangered the well-being of those in Ruben’s care. While the prosecution has not yet disclosed detailed evidence, the focus on sedative-laced sweets points to a calculated effort to administer harmful substances, raising questions about motive, opportunity, and oversight at the camp.
Parental Anguish and the Emergency Response
The incident at Stathern Lodge not only affected the children and the adult who were hospitalized but also had a profound impact on the families involved. As news of the illnesses spread, parents rushed to the camp, desperate for information about their children’s safety. However, their efforts to see their children were met with significant obstacles, as emergency services and camp staff established a makeshift triage center to assess and treat the affected individuals.
Reports indicate that parents faced hours of uncertainty, with some describing scenes of chaos and frustration. “Parents were screaming at officers, demanding access to their kids,” one source told local media. The delay in reuniting families was likely due to the need to prioritize medical treatment and ensure the safety of all involved, but it exacerbated the emotional strain on parents already grappling with fear for their children’s well-being.
Emergency workers, including paramedics and hospital staff, worked swiftly to address the situation, transporting the affected children and adult to a nearby medical facility. The exact nature of the medical interventions provided has not been disclosed, but the fact that multiple individuals required hospitalization suggests that the symptoms were serious enough to warrant immediate professional care. The presence of emergency workers “running around everywhere,” as described by the witness, paints a picture of a high-stakes response to an unprecedented crisis at the camp.
Police Response and the IOPC Investigation
Leicestershire Police have come under scrutiny for their handling of the initial reports about the incident. According to official statements, the police received reports on July 27, 2025, that children at Stathern Lodge were feeling unwell. However, officers did not visit the camp until the following day, a delay that has raised questions about the urgency and effectiveness of their response. While the reasons for the delay have not been fully explained, it is possible that the initial reports were not deemed sufficiently serious to warrant immediate action, or that logistical constraints played a role.
In response to these concerns, Leicestershire Police took the proactive step of referring themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the body responsible for overseeing complaints and investigations related to police conduct in England and Wales. The IOPC has launched an independent investigation to examine the police’s actions, including the timing of their response and the decision-making process that led to the delay. This investigation will likely focus on whether the police followed proper protocols, whether any lapses contributed to the harm experienced by the children, and what lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The IOPC’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the case and the public’s demand for accountability. For parents and community members, the police’s delay in responding to the initial reports has added to the sense of betrayal and mistrust, particularly given the vulnerability of the children involved. The outcome of the IOPC investigation could have significant implications for Leicestershire Police, potentially leading to recommendations for changes in policy or procedure.
The Braithwaite Gospel Trust: A Charity Under Scrutiny
At the heart of this incident is the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, the Christian charity that owns and operates Stathern Lodge. The trust has a long history of providing holiday clubs and other programs for children, emphasizing values such as community, faith, and personal development. For many families in Leicestershire and beyond, the trust’s programs have been a trusted resource, offering affordable and enriching experiences for young people.
However, the allegations against Jon Ruben, a senior figure within the organization, have cast a shadow over the trust’s reputation. As the secretary of the charity, Ruben likely played a key role in its operations, including the management of Stathern Lodge. The fact that such a serious incident allegedly occurred under his watch raises questions about oversight, vetting processes, and the safeguards in place to protect children at the camp.
Charities like the Braithwaite Gospel Trust operate under strict regulations in the UK, particularly when working with children. These regulations require robust safeguarding policies, thorough background checks for staff and volunteers, and clear procedures for responding to incidents of harm or suspected abuse. The allegations against Ruben suggest potential failures in these areas, prompting scrutiny of the trust’s governance and accountability mechanisms.
In the wake of the incident, the Braithwaite Gospel Trust has not issued a detailed public statement, though it is likely cooperating with the police and other authorities. The charity may face significant challenges in rebuilding trust with parents and the community, particularly if the investigation reveals systemic issues in its operations. For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected children and their families, as well as ensuring that justice is served in the legal proceedings against Ruben.
Broader Implications: Child Safety and Summer Camps
The incident at Stathern Lodge has sparked a broader conversation about child safety at summer camps and similar programs. Across the UK, thousands of children attend holiday clubs each year, participating in activities ranging from sports and crafts to educational workshops and outdoor adventures. These programs are often seen as safe spaces where children can explore, learn, and socialize under the supervision of trusted adults. However, the allegations against Ruben highlight the potential risks that can arise when safeguards fail.
Summer camps and holiday clubs operate in a unique environment, balancing the need for fun and freedom with the responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous vetting processes for staff and volunteers, as well as the need for clear protocols for handling emergencies. Parents entrust these organizations with their children’s care, and any breach of that trust can have devastating consequences.
The case also raises questions about the use of food and treats in camp settings. Sweets are a common reward or treat for children, but the allegations of sedative-laced sweets highlight the potential for such items to be misused. Camps and similar organizations may need to review their policies on food distribution, ensuring that all items are sourced from reputable suppliers and handled in a way that prevents tampering or contamination.
Furthermore, the incident highlights the emotional and psychological impact of such events on children and their families. The children who fell ill at Stathern Lodge may experience lasting trauma, particularly given the chaotic scenes described by witnesses. Parents, too, may struggle with feelings of guilt, anger, or helplessness, knowing that their children were exposed to harm in what was supposed to be a safe environment. Providing support for these families, including access to counseling and other resources, will be critical in the aftermath of the incident.
The Legal and Social Context
The charges against Jon Ruben fall under a category of offenses that carry significant legal and social weight. In the UK, crimes involving harm to children are treated with the utmost seriousness, reflecting society’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable members. The specific charge of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children is designed to address a range of behaviors that endanger a child’s physical or emotional well-being. The inclusion of “unnecessary suffering or injury to health” in the charge suggests that the prosecution believes Ruben’s actions had a direct and harmful impact on the children.
The provisional trial date of January 27, 2026, indicates that the legal process will be thorough and deliberate, allowing time for both sides to gather evidence and build their cases. The fact that Ruben has been remanded into custody suggests that the court views him as a potential risk, either to the public or to the integrity of the judicial process. The upcoming hearing on November 14, 2025, will likely provide further clarity on the direction of the case, including whether Ruben will seek bail or remain in custody until the trial.
From a social perspective, the incident has reignited discussions about the safety of children in organized activities. Parents across Leicestershire and beyond are likely reevaluating their trust in summer camps and similar programs, seeking assurances that robust safeguards are in place. The case may also prompt calls for stricter regulations or oversight of charities and organizations that work with children, particularly those operating in less formal settings like holiday clubs.
Looking Ahead: Justice and Recovery
As the legal proceedings against Jon Ruben move forward, the focus will remain on securing justice for the affected children and their families. The trial, scheduled for January 2026, will be a critical moment in determining Ruben’s guilt or innocence and shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. The prosecution will need to present compelling evidence linking Ruben to the sedative-laced sweets and demonstrating that his actions were intentional and harmful. The defense, meanwhile, may seek to challenge the evidence or argue that the incident was a misunderstanding or accident.
For the children and families affected, the road to recovery will be complex. The physical effects of the sedatives, while serious enough to require hospitalization, may have resolved by now, but the emotional and psychological impact could linger. Support services, including counseling and community resources, will be essential in helping the children process their experiences and rebuild their sense of safety.
The Braithwaite Gospel Trust faces a challenging path as it seeks to restore its reputation and reassure the public of its commitment to child safety. The charity may need to implement significant changes, such as enhanced vetting procedures, stricter oversight of staff, and transparent communication with parents. The outcome of the IOPC investigation into Leicestershire Police’s response will also be closely watched, as it could influence public trust in law enforcement’s ability to protect vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The allegations against Jon Ruben and the incident at Stathern Lodge represent a troubling breach of trust in a setting meant to nurture and protect children. The charges of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children underscore the severity of the accusations, while the hospitalization of eight boys and one adult highlights the real-world consequences of the alleged act. The chaotic scenes described by witnesses, coupled with the distress of parents unable to access their children, paint a vivid picture of a community shaken by an unimaginable event.
As the case progresses through the legal system, it will serve as a test of the mechanisms designed to protect children and hold wrongdoers accountable. The IOPC’s investigation into Leicestershire Police’s response will further scrutinize the actions of those tasked with public safety, while the Braithwaite Gospel Trust must confront questions about its oversight and accountability. For the families affected, the incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in entrusting children to others’ care.
The incident at Stathern Lodge is a call to action for all organizations working with children to prioritize safety, transparency, and accountability. As the community grapples with the fallout, the hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to stronger safeguards and a renewed commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.
