đź”— Share this article Man admits sexual crimes against children at summer program Jon Ruben admitted 17 offences at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10. The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer. The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently. Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child. The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November. 'Treat game' Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court. She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran. The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible". She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day. She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025. The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause. "They chose" to examine in the man's possessions." The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions. She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day. "Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added. The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident. The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more. She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.