Summer camp leader admitted drugging children with laced sweets, court heard

A 76‑year‑old camp leader, Jon Ruben, has pleaded guilty after children at his Leicestershire summer camp fell ill from sweets later reported as laced with sedatives; he is due to be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Children at a summer holiday camp in Leicestershire became unwell after eating sweets that a camp leader had reportedly laced with sedatives, the court heard. The leader, Jon Ruben, 76, has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two boys and to a series of other offences, including child cruelty, drug offences and making indecent images. Prosecutors described some children as appearing "tired and floppy" after the sweets were given. Ruben is due to be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Friday. Court account: - The court was told the sweets were presented as part of a camp game and some children later became unwell. - Jon Ruben has pleaded guilty to sexual assaults on two boys and to child cruelty, drug offences and making indecent images of children. - He also admitted administering a substance to his wife during the same weekend, a charge heard this week. - Leicestershire Police attended the camp after several people fell ill and has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct; police are also appealing for any other potential victims to come forward. Summary: The reported events have resulted in multiple criminal admissions and a sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday; the case has prompted an ongoing police review and an appeal for further victims. Undetermined at this time.