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A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.

"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.

She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.

She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.