A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
