A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
