An individual who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
