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An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.

However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.

The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.

"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."

The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.

She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.

She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.