Individual admits sexual offenses targeting boys at summer camp
An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
