An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
