A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
