Person admits sex offences involving young males at summer camp

A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.

She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.

The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.

She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.