A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
