A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
