An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were 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 the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.