Individual confesses to sex offences targeting children at youth camp
A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
