Person confesses to sex offences targeting young males at youth camp
A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
