Person pleads guilty to sex offences against young males at summer camp
A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
