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An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.

The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

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

The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.

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

"The police had not responded by that point," she added.

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

The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.

She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.