A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
