Man confesses to sexual offenses targeting boys at summer camp
An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
