A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
