Children's summer camp attendee Jon Ruben was seized by authorities and detained for alleged child cruelty, as several young campers became unwell.
In a shocking turn of events, a 76-year-old man from Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, named Jon Ruben, has been charged with child cruelty offences. The incident occurred at a summer camp held at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse with sports facilities near Melton in Leicestershire.
Last Sunday, police received a report of children feeling unwell at the camp. Eight boys and one adult were taken to the hospital as a precaution, but all have since been discharged. The initial report of the incident was made on Monday, but it was later amended to Sunday.
Ruben appeared in a central England court on Saturday, facing charges related to the incident where children were sickened by candy containing sedatives at the camp. He has been remanded in custody as investigations continue.
Ruben is charged with three counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing children in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health. The charges relate to three boys at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, between 25-29 July.
The owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are independent from those involved in the incident. Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which may be related to the timing of the officers' response. Ruben's next court appearance will be at Leicester Crown Court on 29 August.
It is unclear when officers responded to the incident at Stathern Lodge. Ruben spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address during his court appearance. The police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Stathern Lodge, a popular venue for summer camps, has confirmed that they are cooperating fully with the police investigation. The camp organisers have expressed their concern for the affected children and their families and have offered their support during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the community is left in shock, hoping for a swift resolution to this disturbing incident. The authorities have assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children involved.
[1] Leicestershire Police Statement [2] BBC News [3] The Guardian [4] The Independent [5] ITV News
[1] In the midst of this shocking crime-and-justice incident, the general-news outlets such as The Guardian, BBC News, The Independent, ITV News, and local Leicestershire Police Statement are diligently reporting on the latest developments.
[2] Meanwhile, mental-health specialists and healthcare professionals involved in health-and-wellness are closely monitoring the emotional and physical recovery of the affected children at the summer camp in Stathern Lodge.
