Summer camp leader pleads guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting two boys

A former vet has admitted drugging and sexually assaulting two boys at a summer camp after lacing sweets with sedatives.

Jon Ruben, 76, of Nottinghamshire, admitted sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children and four drugs charges.

Leicester Crown Court was told Ruben, who prosecutors said had run a holiday camp for at least 27 years, laced sweets with tranquilising drugs and attacked two children after asking youngsters to play "a sweet game".

Ruben denied a further charge of assault by penetration. Prosecutors have been given two weeks to consider if they will proceed with this charge.

Prosecutor Mary Prior KC said the charges related to a summer camp held at rented premises near a village in Leicestershire last summer.

The prosecutor told the court: "The defendant, for at least 27 years, has run a holiday camp.

"There is a long history of children feeling sick at the camp over many years."

The rented premises, Stathern Lodge, were not connected to the camp itself, the court heard, and Ruben was in charge of youngsters there, Ms Prior said.

"He made the rules," she added. "For many years he has played what he calls a sweet game with the children in which he goes into the bedrooms.

"The game is that each has to eat really sticky sweets as quickly as they can but they must chew them.

"Children have always felt ill the next day but he explained it as they were overwrought."

Ruben was remanded in custody until a further hearing at the same court on 28 November.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden said: "This has been a horrific, complex and emotional investigation involving multiple young, innocent, vulnerable victims and a man who committed the vilest crimes.

"Our focus today must of course remain on the young victims and with the support of partners and dedicated family liaison officers, we have and continue to support their welfare and to ensure their safeguarding going forward."

(c) Sky News 2025: Summer camp leader pleads guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting two boys