Person confesses to sexual offenses targeting boys at youth camp
An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
