Man in court over 'sweets laced with sedatives' at children's summer camp

JON RUBEN, OF RUDDINGTON, HAS BEEN REMANDED IN CUSTODY

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE man has appeared in court after eight children "became unwell" at a summer camp amid allegations of sweets being laced with sedatives.

Leicestershire Police said emergency services were called to the camp in Stathern on Sunday, July 27, after reports of children becoming unwell.

Jon Ruben, of Wayte Court, in Ruddington, was charged with three counts of the wilful ill treatment of children. The 76-year-old appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday, where he gave no indication of his pleas.

Ruben stood in the dock wearing a grey sweatshirt and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the four-minute hearing.

Eight children, who were all boys aged between eight and 11, were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.