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A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.

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

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.

The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.

She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.