A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
