An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
