Man, 76, Charged With Child Ill Treatment After Leicestershire Summer Camp Poisoning

Jonathon Ruben, a 76-year-old trustee and secretary of the Stathern Children's Holiday Fund, has been charged with three counts of wilful ill treatment of children following an incident at a summer camp held at Stathern Lodge in Leicestershire. Eight boys aged between eight and 11 and one adult fell ill, leading to hospital visits and the establishment of a triage center; all have since been discharged. Ruben was arrested on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious substance with intent to injure, and the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the prosecution after reviewing police evidence. The charity organizes subsidized holidays for disadvantaged children, promoting itself as a safe environment for fostering friendships and skills. Leicestershire Police have referred their handling of the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, amid questions about the timing of their response. The case remains active, with a court appearance scheduled and authorities urging the public to avoid prejudicial commentary.