Jon Ruben (32), a former leader of a summer camp in Great Britain, was sentenced to life in prison for drugging and sexually abusing children, Southwark Court in London decided on Friday.
Ruben, who lives in St John’s Wood in north-west London, worked at a summer camp in the capital between 2017 and 2021.
During the trial, it was found that he gave the children drugs, including cannabis and MDMA, before sexually abusing them. In some cases, he added the drug to sweets, reports Sky News.
He admitted that he drugged and sexually abused two boys in the camp. Ruben pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13, sexual penetration of a child under 13, eight felony counts of child cruelty, three felony counts of making inappropriate images of children and four felony drug offenses.
He administered liquid Xanax to some victims at Stathern Lodge Camp in Leicestershire, England. Earlier this week, he admitted to an additional charge of drugging his wife Susan so she wouldn’t wake up while he abused her as well.
At his sentencing, his wife described him as a “sadistic, monstrous pedophile” who spent decades trying to “create an image of himself as a just and honorable man”, adding that she felt “terribly guilty” about what he had done.
During the hearing Ruben shouted “No!” and cried as the prosecution presented the facts, after which the judge ordered him to refrain.
Evidence presented in court showed that Ruben’s stepson expressed concern after finding baby oil, syringes with white powder and other suspicious items.
He was found guilty on ten counts of sexual abuse, two counts of giving intoxicants with intent to commit a sexual crime, and one count of possessing extreme pornography.
The crimes were discovered after one of the victims confided in a family member, prompting a police investigation that uncovered evidence of other victims.
Detective Constable Jack Lees of the London Police’s Serious Crime Unit told the court that Ruben was a dangerous person who abused a position of trust to take advantage of children.
– He targeted vulnerable young people, and his actions had a devastating impact on the victims and their families. I want to commend the courage of the victims who came forward and gave evidence, which was crucial in securing this conviction. I hope that this verdict will bring at least some measure of justice and peace to all those affected – he said.
The police in London also reminded that professional support is available to anyone affected by sexual abuse.
(Vijesti.ba/Fena)
