A MAN HAS been jailed for 23 years and 10 months after drugging and sexually abusing young boys at summer camps in the UK.

Jon Ruben, who was labelled by his wife as a “sadistic, monstrous paedophile”, used the “cloak of Christianity” to carry out his sex attacks on vulnerable children, Leicester Crown Court heard.

Sentencing judge Timothy Spencer told the 76-year-old he would serve a further period on licence, bringing his total sentence to 31 years and eight months.

Ruben laced sweets with tranquilising drugs and attacked two children last year after playing “a sweet game” with the youngsters at a summer camp at Stathern Lodge, in Stathern, Leicestershire.

Sweets which were seized during the investigation. PA PA

He previously 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.

At his sentencing hearing today, Judge Spencer told Ruben: “Ultimately, this case is about you achieving sexual gratification by carrying out your sexual fantasies focused upon young boys through careful, cynical, chilling preparation and by manipulation.”

His partner Susan Ruben, who was also drugged by the paedophile so she did not wake up when he carried out his attacks, told the court she felt “completely betrayed”.

“He spent decades trying to paint a picture that he was a righteous, honourable man, when he was actually a sadistic, monstrous paedophile,” she said.

The scene of the summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire. PA PA

“There is undoubtedly a deliberate disregard for the welfare of victims,” Judge Spencer added.

“In the final analysis, this was the deliberate drugging of boys aged between eight and 11 years to facilitate sexual assaults without detection, and the harm is at the highest level.”

He continued: “There are in reports, Jon Ruben, frequent references to you being a risk taker throughout your life.

“In my judgment, given the opportunity, you would continue to take risks, and that would amount to risk of causing serious harm to others.

“I have no hesitation in concluding that you are dangerous within the meaning of the law.”