Pensioner jailed for horrific offences at Stathern summer camp appeals 23-year sentence
A pensioner who was jailed earlier this year for a series of shocking crimes which came to light at a summer camp at Stathern is to appeal against his sentence.
The Court of Appeal will hear the case for 77-year-old Jon Ruben on Friday October 23 following his sentencing, at Leicester Crown Court, in February this year.
Ruben, of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, admitted 17 offences including the sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and eight counts of child cruelty.
A police investigation found that he had given children sweets laced with sedatives as part of a game at the camp at Stathern Lodge on the evenings of July 26 and 27 in 2025.
He is appealing against his sentence of 23 years and 10 months in prison with an extended licence of eight years.
A moving statement from the families released after the harrowing court case described the impact of Ruben’s crimes on the youngsters: “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.”
Leicestershire Police’s Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden described the case as ‘horrific, complex and emotional’.
Police had been called to the camp, in Canal Lane, on July 28 last year, after concerns were raised that a number of children had become unwell while at the camp, which was being run by Ruben.
East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene with eight boys, aged between eight and 11, and an adult, being taken to hospital as a precaution.