A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
