A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
