An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
