Person admits sex offences against young males at youth camp
A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.