A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
