An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
