A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
