An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
