Court adjourns 76-year-old Jon Ruben’s case to allow for more evidence and potential charges

The trial of a man charged after children became unwell at a holiday camp has been adjourned to gather more evidence and allow for potential further charges.

76-year-old Jon Ruben of Landmere Lane, Ruddington, near Nottingham, appeared at Leicester Crown Court this morning (Friday) charged with child cruelty offences relating to three boys becoming unwell at Stathern Lodge near Melton last month.

He appeared in the dock dressed in a jumper and jogging bottoms with a grey beard and spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the seriousness of the charges.

Jon Ruben appeared at Leicester Crown Court. Photo: NEMM

The court heard that an application had been made to formally adjourn the plea and preparation hearing, which was scheduled for today, while further information was obtained and additional charges may follow.

Details of the potential charges were not disclosed.

Police at the summer camp during the investigation. Photo: NEMM

Judge Timothy Spencer KC granted the adjournment and rescheduled the hearing for 14th November with a provisional trial date set for January 27, 2026 with an estimated length of 4 weeks.

He said: “It's obvious to me already that an enormous amount of hard work has gone into this case, but equally, it is clear that there is still a lot more to be done.”

Jon Ruben was remanded in to custody after the hearing.

The charges relate to an incident at Stathern Lodge in July of this year where eight children became unwell at a Christian summer camp.