An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth 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 experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
