A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
