A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
