A person who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
