Man confesses to sexual offenses against boys at summer camp
A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
