A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
