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A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.

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

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

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

The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.

The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.

She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.