A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy 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 fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
