A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
