An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
