An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
