A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
