Person pleads guilty to sexual crimes targeting boys at summer camp
A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
