A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
