A person who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
