Man confesses to sex offences targeting boys at youth camp
A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
