An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
