LEICESTERSHIRE CHURCH CAMP POISONING: CHARITY OFFICIAL CHARGED
Jonathan Ruben, a 76-year-old man, has been charged with three counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child related to an incident at a Christian summer camp in Leicestershire.The charges stem from allegations that he was involved in poisoning children at the camp located at Stathern Lodge.
According to reports, police responded to children feeling unwell at the camp, which is run by a Christian charity called Stathern Children’s Holiday Fund, and subsequently arrested Mr.
Ruben.
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Leicester magistrates’ court.
The incident involved eight boys aged between eight and 11, who were taken to hospital as a precaution but have since been discharged.
Police received the initial report on Sunday, and he was arrested the following day in Plungar, over a mile from the lodge.
Mr.
Ruben has a background as a veterinarian and primary school teacher, and he also worked as a youth worker at his church.
The summer camp typically hosts around 30 children over three days, with activities including crafts, sports, and trips, and is part of a charity that provides free holidays for underprivileged children.
The police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to concerns about their initial response.
An investigation is underway, examining whether there was any failure in duty that caused a delay in response to the incident.
