‘He took away our children’s right to be children, to feel safe and protected’
The devastated families impacted by the shocking crimes of Jon Ruben have described his actions as ‘disgusting, heart-breaking and dehumanising’.
The 76-year-old was today (Friday) sent to prison for 23 years and 10 months after pleading guilty to a catalogue of serious offences which came to light during a children’s summer camp at Stathern last year.
As well as admitting drugging young children at the camp with sweets laced with sedatives, Ruben also admitted sexual offences against children and possession of Category A indecent images and videos of children.
After Ruben was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today, families of the children released a moving statement illustrating how the case had devastated their lives.
It reads: “We are making this joint statement on behalf of our children as we do not want our children going through any further pain, distress or trauma.
“We have all been living the most horrendous nightmare since July 2025. Jon Ruben portrayed himself as a good Christian man and someone who we could trust to be in charge of the care of our children. Our children themselves admired and respected him.
“But what we have found out is that Jon is a devious sexual predator.
"There are no words to describe how much his actions anger us and horrify us.
"He took away our children’s right to be children, to feel safe and protected.
"He has caused the most heart-breaking emotional and psychological damage and our children continue to suffer every day because of what he did. They have lost their innocence, their confidence and their trust.
"They are withdrawn and confused about what has happened and why it has happened.
“As families, we are suffering shock, anxiety, distress, self-doubt and guilt.
"But we know that it is you, Jon Ruben, who is to blame for this – no-one else.
"You are the reason our children had to undergo intense medical examinations.
"You are why our children’s development has been so tragically impacted.
"You are the reason we will struggle to trust people again. It is you who has caused this immense amount of pain and suffering which will never go away – no-one else.
“What he did was disgusting, heartbreaking and dehumanising.
"It has changed our families lives forever and the agonising pain and hurt that his actions have caused will stay with us forever.”
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden commented: “Our focus today must of course remain on the victims.
"Children innocently attended a summer camp led by someone who they looked up to and trusted.
"They have shown immense bravery as they have found out the truth about what happened and I am so very grateful to them for this.
"The courage and the dignity of all the victims involved and their families undoubtedly helped us in uncovering Ruben’s crimes.
"I know what has happened will remain with them for the rest of their lives and through dedicated Family Liaison Officers, and alongside other organisations, we have and continue to provide support to them.”