An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, 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 the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
