A person who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
