Person pleads guilty to sex offences involving boys at summer program
A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.