A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
