A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
