A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
