A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
