A person who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.