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A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

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

She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.

She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.

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

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.

She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

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

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.

Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.

She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.