Person pleads guilty to sexual offenses targeting boys at youth camp
A man who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, 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 Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
