A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
