A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
