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A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.

The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.

"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.

She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.

She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.