Person confesses to sexual offenses targeting children at youth camp
A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
