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A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

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

The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.

'Treat game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.

Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.

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

Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.

She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.

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

The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.

She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.