An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
