An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared 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 accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
