A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
