A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
