A 76-year-old former vet pleaded guilty to drugging and assaulting children at a summer camp in England.

Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old former veterinarian from Ruddington, pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court on November 14, 2025, to 17 charges including sexual assault, child cruelty, and drug-related offenses tied to a summer camp in Leicestershire. He admitted to drugging children, aged 8 to 11, with tranquilizers—specifically liquid Xanax—hidden in sweets during a game he called the “sweet game,” causing severe illness, hospitalization for eight boys, and one losing consciousness. Ruben also admitted to making indecent images of children, though none involved the camp victims. He denied one charge of assault by penetration, which prosecutors may pursue. The rented site, Stathern Lodge, was not connected to the camp’s organizers. Police response was delayed, prompting an investigation into their handling. Ruben was remanded in custody and will appear via video-link on November 28. Authorities emphasized ongoing support for victims.