A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
