A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
