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An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

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

She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.

The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.

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

The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.

She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.