Nottinghamshire man faces three counts following suspected poisoning incident at Stathern Lodge as police watchdog investigates force’s delayed response
A 76-year-old man has been charged with three counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child after eight children and one adult were hospitalised following a suspected poisoning incident at a Leicestershire summer camp.
John Ruben, of Landmere Lane in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, was remanded into custody and will appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. The charges relate to three children who fell ill at Stathern Lodge summer camp on Canal Lane in Stathern village.
Leicestershire Police launched a major investigation after receiving reports on Sunday, 27 July, that children at the camp were feeling unwell. However, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over concerns about delays in its response to what was later declared a critical incident.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
East Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched extensive resources to the scene on Monday afternoon, including four paramedics in ambulance cars, ten crewed ambulances, and air ambulance responders. The emergency services established a triage centre at nearby Plungar village hall to assess all children present at the camp.
“We received a call at 4pm on Monday, 28 July, to a private address in Plungar,” an ambulance service spokesperson confirmed. “The caller reported a medical emergency. We transported nine patients to Queen’s Medical Centre.”
Eight children and one adult were taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham as a precaution. All have since been discharged, with police confirming they have contacted the parents and guardians of all affected children.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Ruben was initially arrested on Monday evening at a nearby public house on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy. He remained in custody whilst the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Investigation Team took charge of the case.
Detective Inspector Neil Holden, the senior investigating officer, said: “We understand the concern this incident will have caused to parents, guardians and the surrounding community. We are in contact with the parents and guardians of all children concerned.”
The investigation involves collaborative efforts from officers across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire police forces. A cordon remains in place at the summer camp site whilst forensic examinations continue.
IOPC Investigation into Police Response
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed it is conducting an independent investigation into Leicestershire Police’s handling of the incident. The watchdog received a conduct referral from the force on Tuesday regarding concerns about the initial response.
“Our assessment team has examined all available evidence and concluded the matter should be independently investigated by the IOPC,” a spokesperson stated. The investigation will look at whether there were any breaches of professional behaviour, namely a failure to carry out duties and responsibilities, that resulted in a delay in Leicestershire Police’s response.
The IOPC investigation will examine why police did not visit the camp until Monday, despite receiving the initial report on Sunday evening that children were unwell.
Summer Camp Facility
Stathern Lodge is described as a converted farmhouse featuring sports halls and catering facilities, commonly used for children’s summer camps and activities. The facility, located on Canal Lane in the rural Leicestershire village of Stathern, hosts various youth programmes during school holidays.
Local residents described “crazy” and “stressed” scenes as emergency services descended on the normally quiet village. Multiple police vehicles, ambulances and a police cordon transformed the area into what witnesses called a major incident scene.
The camp was operating as part of the summer holiday activities available in the region, though specific details about the organisation running the programme have not been disclosed by authorities.
Community Response and Political Reaction
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with parents expressing concern about the safety of summer holiday programmes. Detective Inspector Holden assured families that dedicated resources have been deployed and authorities are working with partner agencies including children’s services to ensure full safeguarding.
“We also remain at the scene to carry out enquiries into the circumstances of what has happened and to continue to provide advice and support in the area,” he added.
Local MP Edward Argar, Conservative member for Melton and Syston, described the reports as “shocking and deeply concerning.” He urged police to provide as much information as possible about the incident whilst respecting the ongoing investigation.
Complex Investigation Continues
Assistant Chief Constable James Avery addressed media at a press conference but declined to provide specific details about the arrested man or the circumstances of the incident, citing the early stages of the investigation.
This is a complex and sensitive investigation and we do understand the concern that it will have caused,” police stated. “Please be reassured that we have dedicated resources deployed and continue to work with a number of agencies as part of our response.”
Officers from the Melton and Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Area remain in Stathern providing reassurance to affected families and the local community. Police have established a dedicated contact line for anyone with information or concerns.
Legal Proceedings
The charges of wilful ill-treatment of a child carry serious penalties under UK law. The offence, covered under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, relates to anyone over 16 who has responsibility for a child under 16 and wilfully ill-treats, neglects, abandons or exposes the child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health.
Ruben’s appearance at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday will determine whether he is granted bail or remains in custody pending further proceedings. Given the serious nature of the charges, the case is likely to be sent to Crown Court for trial.
The charging decision represents a significant development in what police describe as a complex investigation requiring extensive resources and multi-agency cooperation.
Support for Affected Families
Leicestershire Police have urged anyone requiring support or information to contact them on 101, quoting reference 25*442269. The force emphasised that specially trained officers are providing ongoing support to the families of children who attended the camp.
Partner agencies including children’s services are working to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place for all children involved in the incident. The investigation continues as detectives work to establish the full circumstances of what occurred at the summer camp.
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