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An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.

However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.

She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.