A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
