A former veterinarian, Jon Ruben, has been sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison for drugging and sexually abusing young boys at summer camps in the United Kingdom.
Ruben, 76, was sentenced to 23 years and 10 months by Leicester Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple sexual and child abuse-related offences.
Judge Timothy Spencer KC said Ruben would serve an extended period on licence after his custodial term, bringing the total sentence to 31 years and eight months.
During sentencing on Friday, the judge described Ruben as having used “the cloak of Christianity” to gain the trust of children and their families before carrying out the abuse.
“Ultimately, this case is about you achieving sexual gratification by carrying out your sexual fantasies focused upon young boys through careful, cynical and chilling preparation and manipulation,” Judge Spencer told the defendant.
Ruben had earlier pleaded guilty to charges including 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 drug-related offences.
The court heard that the offences were committed over a period of time at summer camps, where Ruben used his position of authority and administered drugs to incapacitate his victims.
Prosecutors said the victims were vulnerable children who had trusted Ruben, allowing him access during organised camp activities.
Ruben’s wife described him in court proceedings as a “sadistic and monstrous paedophile.”
The judge noted the lasting harm caused to the victims and said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offences, the abuse of trust involved and the need to protect the public.
Authorities praised the courage of the victims in coming forward and said the sentence should serve as a warning that child abuse offences would be met with severe punishment under UK law.
