Individual confesses to sexual offenses involving children at summer camp
A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
