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An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

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

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.

Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.

She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.