A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
