An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
