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A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.

However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.

She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.

Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.

She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.