A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility 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.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
