An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
