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An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.

She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.

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

Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.

She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.

She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.