A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
