Person admits sex offences targeting boys at summer program
An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
