Person admits sex offences involving boys at summer program
A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
