A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
