An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
