🔗 Share this article Man pleads guilty to sex offences involving young males at summer program The accused pleaded guilty to 17 criminal counts at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10. Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month. The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday. Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy. The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th. 'Candy game' Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings. She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated. Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly". She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day. She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025. Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause. "They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings." The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries. She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning. "Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added. The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident. The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more. She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.