Man admits to multiple child sex offences after drug-laced sweets incident at summer camp

A 76-year-old man has admitted a series of sexual offences against boys under 13 after an investigation into an incident at a children’s summer camp in Leicestershire. Jon Ruben, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday. He denied one additional charge involving a boy under 13.

Ruben was arrested in July after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge, where he ran a summer camp for under-privileged children. Police launched a major investigation after medical staff raised concerns about the symptoms experienced by the group.

According to prosecutors, Ruben had given the children sweets laced with a tranquilliser as part of what he called a “sweet game.” Prosecuting barrister Mary Prior KC told the court that Ruben entered the boys’ rooms before bedtime and encouraged them to eat the sweets “as quickly as they can.”

She said this behaviour had gone on “for many years,” and that children had previously fallen ill the next morning. Ruben allegedly dismissed the symptoms, telling others the children were simply overstimulated from an evening of fun and excitement at the camp.

The situation changed in July 2025 when Ruben’s stepson became suspicious. Mrs Prior KC said he noticed unusual behaviour and decided to look inside Ruben’s belongings, uncovering items that raised serious concerns and led to police involvement. Ruben was later arrested and charged.

During Friday’s hearing, Ruben spoke only to confirm his pleas. The judge remanded him into custody ahead of his next court appearance on 28 November, when further details of the case are expected to be discussed.

The court heard that the summer camp was intended to support disadvantaged children, making the revelations especially distressing for families and the wider community. Authorities have since been conducting checks to ensure the welfare of all children who attended previous camps.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward and said specialist officers are providing support to the families involved. Safeguarding teams in both Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire are reviewing procedures at similar children’s programmes to ensure that no other vulnerabilities exist.

The case has prompted renewed calls for stricter background checks and more oversight at volunteer-run and privately operated summer camps. Local authorities said they are working closely with child-protection agencies to make sure parents can feel confident about safety measures in place.

Ruben remains in custody while the investigation continues and further legal proceedings move forward. Sentencing is expected to take place after all charges have been addressed and evidence fully reviewed.