A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
