An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
