A Christian camp leader who drugged and sexually abused young boys has been sentenced to 23 years and 10 months in prison. Jon Ruben, 76, a retired vet and church volunteer, laced sweets with tranquillisers to assault children at a summer camp in Leicestershire.
Leicester Crown Court heard that Ruben used his 'cloak of Christianity' to gain trust and access to vulnerable boys. He also sedated his wife by putting drugs in her tea so she would not notice his absences at night. Ruben admitted to multiple charges including sexual assault, child cruelty, making indecent images, and drug offences.
The judge described Ruben's actions as 'careful, cynical, chilling preparation' for sexual gratification. Prosecutor Mary Prior KC said the sedation ensured the boys were heavily asleep so Ruben could undress and abuse them. He used the dark web to buy what he thought was temazepam, but one victim tested positive for liquid Xanax.
Ruben's wife, Susan, said she felt 'completely betrayed' by a man who portrayed himself as righteous but was a 'sadistic, monstrous paedophile'. The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham expressed profound shock, noting the abuse was especially horrific in a context meant to be safe.
Leicestershire police continue to investigate Ruben's activities over more than 20 years. Victims' families stated: 'He took away our children's right to be children, to be safe and protected.'
