A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
