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An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.

"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.

She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.

The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.

She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.