Individual confesses to sex offences targeting children at summer camp
An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
