A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "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 earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
