An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
