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A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.

The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.

"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."

The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.

The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.

She said the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.