A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
