An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
