A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
