Person confesses to sexual offenses against young males at youth camp
A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
