Young boys were given sweets laced with sedatives in a suspected poisoning at a children’s summer camp, a court has been told.
Jon Ruben, 76, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court this morning accused of child cruelty offences and was remanded in custody.
The charges relate to three boys at the summer camp in Leicestershire between July 25 and July 29.
The court was told the charges relate to sweets which were allegedly laced with sedatives.
Leicestershire Police received a report on Sunday that children at Stathern Lodge in Canal Lane, Stathern, had become ill.
Eight children, all boys aged between eight and 11, and one adult were taken to hospital as a precaution but were discharged, police said.
The defendant, who stood in the dock wearing a grey sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the four-minute hearing.
Ruben was told by chair of the magistrates Elizabeth Needham that he will appear at Leicester Crown Court on August 29.

Jonathan Ruben, 76, has been charged in connection with a suspected poisoning at a children’s summer camp

Aerial view of Stathern Lodge in Canal Lane near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – the site of the Stathern Children’s Holiday Fund SCHF
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