A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys under 13. Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July. The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday. However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a boy under 13. Prosecutors have been given two weeks to consider if they will proceed with this charge, meaning Ruben could still stand trial. He was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November. Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court. She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp that he ran. "The defendant, for at least 27 years, has run a holiday camp," she said.
Published: November 14, 2025 5:46 pm
Source: BBC — Read original