Person confesses to sex offences targeting children at summer program
A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
