An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
