Man admits sexual crimes involving children at summer camp

A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.

She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."

The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.

She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.

She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.