🔗 Share this article

An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

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

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.

The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.