A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
