An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
