Christian camp leader jailed for 23 years and 10 months

Jon Ruben, 76, was sentenced to 23 years and 10 months after pleading guilty to sexual offences, child cruelty, making indecent images and drug charges related to incidents at a 2025 summer camp; the judge added a licence period that brings the total to 31 years and eight months.

Jon Ruben, 76, has been sentenced at Leicester Crown Court to 23 years and 10 months in prison. The judge ordered an additional licence period, bringing his total sentence to 31 years and eight months. Ruben pleaded guilty to sexual offences, making indecent images, child cruelty and drugs offences. Prosecutors said he used his position in a church youth setting and what they described as a "cloak of Christianity" while offending. Court case details: - Sentencing was handed down at Leicester Crown Court; Judge Timothy Spencer imposed the prison term and the additional licence period. - The offences relate to events at a summer camp in Stathern in July 2025; several children and one adult fell ill and Ruben was arrested in July 2025. - Ruben pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children and four drugs charges. - Prosecutors said sedative drugs were used during the camp and testing identified sedative medication in at least one victim. - Leicestershire Police said their investigation continues into Ruben's involvement with children over a period of more than 20 years. Summary: The prison sentence follows Ruben's guilty pleas to multiple offences connected to a 2025 summer camp and related offences. Police have said inquiries into his past involvement with children are ongoing; further findings and any additional charges remain undetermined at this time.