A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
