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A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

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

The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.

She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.