A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
