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A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.

The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.

She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.

Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.

She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.