Person confesses to sexual offenses targeting young males at summer camp
A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
