A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
