A man who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
