A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
