A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
