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A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.

Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

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

The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

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

The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.

She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.

"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.

She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.