A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
