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A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.

"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."

The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.

She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.