A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
