Person admits sex offences involving children at summer camp
A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood 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 kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
