An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
