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An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.

She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.

The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.

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