A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
