An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
