A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
