A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
