A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
