A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
