An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
