A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
