A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
