Person admits sex offences targeting boys at summer camp
An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
