A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
