π Share this article Man admits sex offences targeting children at summer program Jon Ruben admitted 17 offences at the courthouse on the end of the week An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10. The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer. The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently. Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy. The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th. 'Candy game' The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court. She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed. The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can". She told the court Ruben had played this game 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 children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025. Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably. "They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions." The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions. She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day. "Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further. The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events. The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time. She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.