Individual pleads guilty to sex offences against boys at summer camp

An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.

The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.

She stated the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.

The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.

She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.