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A person who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.

She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.

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

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.

She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.