A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
