A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
