A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
