A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
